Play at the Fujairah Challenger tennis tournament in the United Arab Emirates was suspended on Tuesday afternoon following a security alert. Three matches were in progress when players, officials and ball children were instructed to leave the court and seek shelter inside the venue. The interruption came amid heightened regional tensions after Iran launched retaliatory missiles toward military bases in several Gulf countries following strikes on Tehran.

The disruption follows ongoing travel difficulties in Dubai, where around 40 tennis players, staff and media personnel have been attempting to leave after the Dubai Tennis Championships concluded. Flight suspensions linked to regional airspace closures have complicated departures, prompting some players to consider traveling by road to neighboring Oman in hopes of finding outbound flights. Hotels have extended stays for those affected, and officials say they are maintaining contact with players and local authorities.

Organizers of the men’s professional tennis tour said they are closely monitoring the evolving situation and prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of players and staff. As of publication, play in Fujairah remained halted and live broadcasts had stopped, with no immediate confirmation on when matches would resume.