Kuwaiti Tanker Al Salmi Struck by Drone Off Dubai Coast

The Kuwaiti oil tanker Al Salmi was struck by a drone shortly after midnight while anchored off Dubai's coast, the UAE authorities said. All 24 crew members were reported safe and no oil leaked from the vessel, as the UAE remains on high alert amid a series of drone and missile incidents near Dubai and Sharjah. Separately, a drone hit the administrative building of Thuraya Telecommunications Company in central Sharjah, with no injuries reported. Debris from air defence interceptions later sparked a small fire in an abandoned house in Dubai's Al Badaa area, leaving four people with minor injuries. Explosions were also heard across parts of Dubai around midday as authorities warned of incoming threats. A day earlier, defence systems intercepted 11 ballistic missiles and 27 drones. The incidents come as the wider West Asia conflict, which began on 28 February, enters its second month, with more than 1,941 drones and over 425 missiles intercepted nationwide since fighting started. Schools have moved to distance learning until 17 April, and Emirates airline has advised passengers booked through 30 April to check their flight schedules. The Dubai Executive Council has approved a one-billion-dirham relief package for affected businesses, while oil prices have climbed toward 110 dollars a barrel amid growing disruption to shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.