Flights taking stranded British travellers out of Dubai were suspended on Saturday when what appeared to be an Iranian drone targeted the international airport.

A loud explosion was heard near Dubai’s international airport on Saturday, sending a plume of smoke into the sky, according to a witness who spoke to AFP. The incident came as tensions and military strikes continue to escalate across the Gulf region.

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE updates: As per official figures, four people have died and 112 injured in the UAE following the Iranian barrage. Meanwhile, the UAE has lifted the earlier safety alert and said the situation is “currently safe” for people to return to their normal activities.

The Emirates’ reputation as a safe destination in a volatile area was put to a brutal test in recent days as Iran, retaliating against U.S.-Israeli attacks, targeted the region with missiles and drones.

Passengers rushed to evacuate one of the world’s busiest airports on Sunday after a reported Iranian strike, as Tehran targeted travel hubs in US-friendly Gulf states typically regarded as safe, luxury destinations.

Iranian missiles and drones have hit the United Arab Emirates, shaking Dubai’s image as a safe, tax-free haven for foreigners.

DUBAI, March 1 (Reuters) - Dubai ’s international airport and its landmark Burj Al Arab hotel sustained damage as overnight Iranian retaliatory attacks spread across the Gulf states and the wider Middle East, reaching beyond U.S. bases and interests.

Flights from Dubai's main airport had partially resumed on Monday despite daily drone attacks targeting sites in the UAE.

Flights heading to Dubai International Airport were circling a distance away just before the interception, flight radars show - it has been described as a 'minor incident' by authorities