The United Arab Emirates has shut down its massive Abu Dhabi National Oil Company “Ruwais” oil refinery — one of the world’s largest — following a suspected drone attack that sparked a fire in the complex. The decision to halt operations was made as a precaution while authorities assess the situation and ensure safety.  

The facility, located in the Ruwais Industrial City in Abu Dhabi, has the capacity to process about 922,000 barrels of crude oil per day and supports key downstream industries like chemicals and fertilizers. The fire reportedly began after a drone strike in the area, but officials have not yet confirmed whether the refinery itself was directly hit.  

No injuries have been reported so far, and other operations within the industrial complex continue. Authorities and emergency teams are responding to the incident while continuing investigations into the attack and refinery shutdown.  

The closure follows a pattern of energy infrastructure disruptions in the region amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, adding pressure to global oil markets already affected by related attacks and supply concerns.