Dubai witnessed one of the worst bombings in years after a series of explosions rocked several key locations on Saturday. As the United Arab Emirates grapples with the horrors of airstrikes launched by Iran on February 28, tensions have escalated in the Persian Gulf. These retaliatory missile strikes were in response to joint US-Israeli pre-emptive strikes on Tehran.
Random explosions and plumes of black smoke billowed from the rubble of the city-state’s most famous district as defense systems were activated to fend off Iranian missiles and drones above its famous skyscrapers.
The Dubai Media Office provided a series of updates on the evolving situation and key impact sites of the Iranian explosions. According to Khaleej Times, Abu Dhabi airport authorities have confirmed one death and seven injuries in a drone attack at Zayed International Airport. The incident claimed the life of an Asian citizen.
Jebel AliPort
- Fire from the wreckage of a captured Iranian missile was reported at Jebel Ali port. No casualties or injuries were reported in the incident.
The Dubai Media Authority said in a statement on X: “Dubai authorities confirm that debris from an aerial interception caused a fire at one of the berths at Jebel Ali Port. Dubai Civil Defense teams responded immediately and are continuing their efforts to fully extinguish the fire. No injuries were reported.”
Burj Al Arab
According to authorities, the exterior facade of the Burj Al Arab reported some damage after the drone was intercepted. Speaking to X, the Dubai Media Office said: “Authorities confirm that a drone was intercepted and debris caused a minor fire on the exterior facade of the Burj Al Arab. Civil defense teams responded immediately and brought the incident under control. No injuries were reported.”
Dubai International Airport
Dubai International Airport was also hit by Iranian missile attacks. Four employees were injured in the accident.
The Dubai Media Office said: “Dubai Airports confirms that the incident caused minor damage to the concourse at Dubai International Airport (DXB), which was quickly managed. Emergency response teams were immediately deployed to manage the situation in coordination with the relevant authorities. Four employees were injured and received immediate medical attention. Due to the contingency plans already in place, most of the terminals had already been cleared of passengers.”
Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah building reported fire in retaliatory strikes. Four people were injured in the incident.
The Dubai Media Office said: “Dubai authorities confirm that the incident occurred in a building in the Palm Jumeirah area. Emergency response teams were immediately deployed and the site secured. Dubai Civil Defense confirmed that the resulting fire is now under control. Four people were injured and taken to medical facilities.”
Dubai airports have suspended flights
Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport suspended all flight operations on Saturday due to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
The Dubai Media Office said in a statement: “Dubai Airports confirms that all flights to Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) are suspended until further notice. Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport at this time and to contact their airlines directly for the latest updates on their flights.”
