Dubai hit by Iran: Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab hotel, Palm Jumeirah island hit by explosions in UAE hotspot amid missile barrage. Check full list

Iran has systematically targeted Middle East countries, including Dubai, the hotspot of UAE economy, and its airport since the start of its retaliatory strikes for US and Israeli attacks. Dubai's international airport and its landmark Burj Al Arab hotel have been damaged in Iran's retaliatory attacks targeting the Gulf states and the wider Middle East.On Saturday, Iranian weaponry rained down on Dubai, setting fire to a five-star resort, threatening the world's tallest building Burj Khalifa. The UAE said Iran launched 137 missiles and 209 drones toward its territory, most of which were intercepted by the country’s air defence systems.

Dubai hit by Iran: Palm Jumeirah island, Burj Al Arab hotel hit

Photos and videos circulating on social media showed fires erupting outside the Fairmont hotel on the upscale, man-made Palm Jumeirah island. Flames were seen reaching the facade of the iconic Burj Al Arab, while thick smoke billowed into the sky near the Burj Khalifa, the 2,723-foot (830-metre) skyscraper. A separate fire was also reported at Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port, the city’s primary sea terminal and a major global shipping hub. Meanwhile, Dubai International Airport sustained damage, leaving four employees injured, according to the Dubai Media Office.

Explosions rocked Dubai's Palm Jumeirah man-made island, and drone debris caused a fire at the Burj Al Arab ultra-luxury hotel as waves of Iranian missiles targeted the United Arab Emirates on Saturday, February 28, authorities said.


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Dubai Airport sustains damage

Dubai International Airport — the world’s busiest hub for international passenger traffic — and the Jebel Ali seaport also sustained damage as unprecedented attacks struck some of the city’s key landmarks and major economic centres.

Two witnesses on Palm Jumeirah, the upscale palm tree-shaped residential and leisure development, reported hearing a loud explosion and seeing smoke rising from a five-star hotel. The Dubai Media Office confirmed that an “incident” at a building on Palm Jumeirah triggered a fire that injured four people. Hours later, another blast occurred near the same location after what appeared to be a drone plunged from the sky, according to a witness.

Debris from an intercepted drone ignited a fire at the base of the Burj Al Arab, the iconic sail-shaped building often described as the world’s first seven-star hotel.

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“Authorities confirm that a drone was intercepted and debris caused a minor fire on the Burj Al Arab’s exterior,” the Dubai Media Office said on X. “Civil Defense teams responded immediately and brought the incident under control. No injuries have been reported.”

Dubai's airport and seaport account for about 60% of the emirate's revenues, official estimates show. Roughly 90% of the UAE's population consists of foreigners and Dubai is its biggest city, with a carefully curated image for opulence and glamor. DP World has suspended operations at Jebel Ali Port, the Middle East’s largest container port and a critical part of Dubai’s economy, after a berth caught fire from debris caused by an intercepted missile.