Iranian Missile Attack Targets Dubai's Iconic Fairmont Hotel
Four individuals have sustained injuries following an Iranian missile strike on the world-renowned five-star Fairmont hotel located on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah. Dramatic footage and images captured the moment the luxury hotel was struck, with the building's exterior set ablaze by what has been identified as an ultra-fast Shahed drone. The Dubai media office confirmed the casualties, stating that emergency services responded swiftly to the scene.
Regional Retaliation Following US-Israel Strikes
The attack on the Fairmont hotel occurred as Iran launched retaliatory strikes across the Middle East. This escalation comes in direct response to joint US-Israel military operations targeting several Iranian cities earlier today, including strikes on facilities associated with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran. Israeli media sources have indicated there are growing indications that Khamenei may have been killed or seriously injured during these initial air strikes, though Iranian officials have not confirmed this.
Dubai Civil Defence authorities have confirmed that the resulting fire at the Fairmont hotel is now under control. All four injured individuals have been transferred to medical facilities for treatment. Witnesses reported seeing multiple ambulances rushing to the scene following the explosion.
High-Speed Drone Technology Deployed
The Iranian-made Shahed drone used in the attack is reported to be capable of flying at least five times faster than the speed of sound. Video footage from the scene captures the sheer velocity of the missile cutting through the air before impacting the hotel structure. The Shahed-136 model, often described as a "kamikaze" drone, has previously been deployed in conflict zones including Ukraine and is designed for precision attacks on ground targets.
The Fairmont hotel, situated on Dubai's famous man-made Palm Jumeirah island approximately thirty minutes from Dubai International Airport, represents a significant tourist destination. Rooms at the opulent property typically average around £292 per night, with premium suites costing substantially more.
Widespread Regional Strikes and Reactions
Iran has launched revenge attacks across multiple Middle Eastern nations, with missiles reported in:
- Israel
- Kuwait
- Qatar
- Bahrain
- Jordan
- Saudi Arabia
Social media videos show the Palm Jumeirah Fairmont Hotel engulfed in flames with substantial smoke plumes billowing into the sky. British influencer Will Bailey, who was poolside at the hotel during the attack, described the experience as "metres away from us" and "insane." Another Dubai resident reported seeing the missile pass overhead approximately 26 kilometers from the hotel, expressing concern about potential collateral damage.
International Response and Security Measures
The United Arab Emirates has partially and temporarily closed its airspace as a precautionary measure, according to state media. This has left some British nationals attempting to flee the country stranded. The UK government has emphasized that its immediate priority is the safety of UK nationals in the region, with consular assistance available around the clock.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, in a joint statement with French and German leaders, has called on Iran to "refrain from indiscriminate military strikes." The British embassy in Doha has urged UK citizens to shelter, while Qatar has issued alerts advising residents to stay indoors and avoid military installations.
The UK withdrew its diplomatic staff from Iran on Friday due to security concerns, while staff at the British embassy in Tel Aviv have been relocated to safer locations by the Foreign Office.
Military Operations and Political Statements
The joint US-Israel operation, reportedly named 'Lion's Roar' by Israel and 'Epic Fury' by the US Department of Defense, targeted multiple Iranian locations including Tehran, Bushehr, Qom, Karaj, Kermanshah, and Isfahan. In the capital, strikes affected Khamenei's palace and compound, along with the Ministry of Intelligence and Ministry of Defence.
Former US President Donald Trump, in a statement on Truth Social, issued an ultimatum to Ayatollah Khamenei to either "surrender or die" and warned members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard to lay down their weapons. Iranian military officials have promised a "crushing response" and declared all US bases, resources, and assets as legitimate targets.
Broader Regional Impact
Additional strikes have been reported targeting US infrastructure at multiple locations including Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, and areas in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In Bahrain, officials confirmed that the headquarters of the US Navy's 5th Fleet was targeted by a missile attack, with footage showing substantial smoke plumes rising from the area.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Iran "must not be armed with nuclear weapons" and described the regime as having "spilled our blood" and "murdered many Americans." He called for all segments of the Iranian population to "throw off the yoke of tyranny" and bring about a free Iran.
Meanwhile, Iran's exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi has urged Iranians to prepare for potential uprising, describing the US attacks as "humanitarian intervention" and calling on security forces to switch allegiance from the current regime.
The situation remains fluid with reports of additional explosions in Syrian and Lebanese territories, believed to be related to Israeli missile interceptions. Internet access in Iran has dropped significantly according to monitoring groups, and mobile phone services have been disrupted as the country braces for further developments in this rapidly escalating regional conflict.
