An explosion and fire at a prominent hotel on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah sent shockwaves across the city on Saturday, raising alarm among residents and tourists amid escalating regional tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from the iconic Fairmont The Palm, one of Dubai’s most popular luxury hotels, after what authorities later described as an “incident” inside a building in the area.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as emergency sirens echoed across the Palm. Two people told AFP they heard a loud explosion and saw heavy black smoke billowing into the sky, followed by ambulances rushing toward the waterfront complex.
UAE Attacked by Iran: What Happened at Palm Jumeirah?
Dubai authorities confirmed that an incident triggered a fire in a building on Palm Jumeirah, the man-made island known for its luxury hotels and residential towers. Viral videos on social media showed flames and smoke rising near the Fairmont, prompting widespread concern.
Dubai officials moved quickly to reassure the public.
“Dubai Civil Defence has confirmed that the resulting fire is now under control. Four individuals sustained injuries and have been transferred to medical facilities,” the Dubai Media Office said in a statement.
UAE Attacked by Iran: Emergency Response and Injuries Reported
Emergency response teams secured the site within minutes. Dubai Civil Defence confirmed that firefighters contained the blaze and prevented it from spreading to nearby structures. Authorities said the safety of residents and visitors remained their top priority and urged calm.
No fatalities were reported, and officials did not indicate that the hotel itself had suffered structural damage beyond the affected area.
UAE Attacked by Iran: UAE Confirms Missile Attack Interception
The hotel incident unfolded against the backdrop of a rapidly escalating regional conflict. Earlier in the day, the UAE Ministry of Defense announced that the country had been targeted by Iranian ballistic missiles.
The UAE successfully intercepted new wave of Iranian Missiles
The Ministry of Defence announced that UAE air defense systems intercepted and destroyed a new wave of Iranian missiles launched towards the country, noting that the operation was carried out with high efficiency and… pic.twitter.com/W9LvTtjR1e
— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) February 28, 2026
The ministry said UAE air defence systems intercepted several missiles “with high efficiency,” calling the strikes “a blatant violation of national sovereignty and international law.” It added that the UAE “reserves its full right to take all necessary measures to protect its territories and citizens.”
Missiles Seen Over Dubai Skyline
Residents across Dubai reported seeing missiles streaking through clear night skies. Loud thuds rattled windows in high-rise buildings, including areas near the Burj Khalifa.
“It was a rumble and then a bang,” one resident told AFP.
Smoke was also reported near US military facilities in the Gulf region, adding to fears of further escalation.
UAE Attacked by Iran: Travel Disruptions and Airport Advisory Issued
The unrest triggered immediate travel advisories. Chennai Airport issued a warning to passengers flying via Middle Eastern hubs, urging them to check flight status with airlines.
Airport authorities said at least 12 international flights scheduled for later Saturday and Sunday were cancelled, including services to Dubai, Bahrain, and Abu Dhabi.
UAE officials urged residents and visitors to rely only on official updates and avoid circulating unverified information on social media. Security teams continue to monitor the situation closely as regional tensions remain high.
