Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran

Tehran, Feb 1: A moderate earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale struck southern Iran on the morning of Sunday, February 1, 2026, but caused no significant damage or casualties and had no impact on the UAE. The tremor was recorded at 8:11 am UAE time by the National Seismic Network operated by the National Center of Meteorology (NCM).

Seismologists noted that although the quake was strong enough to be classified as moderate, its effects were limited due to its depth and location. Originating about 10 kilometres below the surface—a typical depth for seismic activity in the Iranian plateau—the energy dissipated before spreading widely across the region. This geological setting often reduces the impact of tremors on neighbouring areas, including the Arabian Peninsula.

Authorities in Iran confirmed that there were no deaths or serious injuries. In towns such as Mohr and nearby villages including Bidkhun and Akhand, residents reported only minor, surface-level damage. Broken window panes, household items falling from shelves, and small cracks in older mud-brick buildings were among the few visible effects. The shaking caused brief alarm, prompting people to step outdoors as a precaution, a common response in earthquake-prone parts of the country.

Across the UAE, however, the quake went entirely unnoticed. From Dubai’s skyscrapers to the northern coastal regions, residents reported no tremors. The NCM quickly reassured the public, stating that the earthquake had no effect within the country. Experts attributed this to the distance of the epicentre across the Arabian Gulf and the UAE’s position on a relatively stable section of the Arabian Plate, which helps absorb seismic waves originating from Iran’s more active fault zones.

While minor aftershocks may occur in southern Iran, the NCM confirmed that they are not expected to be felt in the UAE. Officials also highlighted the role of the country’s advanced seismic monitoring systems, which operate around the clock and can detect even minimal underground activity in real time. This capability allows authorities to issue accurate updates swiftly, reducing the risk of misinformation or unnecessary concern.

For residents, the event had virtually no impact. Daily routines continued uninterrupted, and there were no reports of swaying buildings or precautionary evacuations, unlike during stronger quakes in past years. The episode served as a quiet reminder of the region’s seismic activity, while also underscoring the resilience of the UAE’s infrastructure and the effectiveness of its early-warning and monitoring systems, ensuring normal life carries on even when the ground shifts nearby.