Tourists and residents in Dubai were caught off guard on Saturday evening when Iranian drones and missiles struck the city, shattering the carefully maintained illusion of safety in the Gulf's luxury hub. Air defences in the United Arab Emirates, along with Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, activated in response, interceptors streaking into the night sky.
Several tourists said they initially mistook the interceptions for fireworks. Natalia Veremeenko, staying near the Fairmont The Palm, said: “At first we thought it was fireworks.” The entrance of the five-star resort caught fire after what appeared to be a drone strike. Later, fires and thick plumes of smoke were reported at Dubai’s and Abu Dhabi’s airports after drone debris struck the sites, killing one person and injuring about a dozen others, according to local authorities. Two further deaths were announced on Sunday.
Dense columns of smoke rose from the Jebel Ali port area, the world’s ninth busiest port, where one berth caught fire. The sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, Dubai’s most recognisable landmark, was struck by falling drone debris, prompting a brief fire. By nightfall, many luxury hotels were ushering guests from exposed rooms and terraces into underground car parks and service corridors.
Authorities moved quickly to calm nerves, reassuring residents and visitors that the situation was under control and pledging flight reimbursements for those affected. The UAE defence ministry said 137 missiles and 209 drones had been fired towards UAE territory, the majority intercepted by its air defence systems. “You can return to normal now. The UAE is 100% safe. Life and business continue as normal,” wrote Emirati commentator Amjad Taha on X.
