Dubai, United Arab Emirates — February 28, 2026 (Updated 19:30 IST)
Multiple loud explosions were reported across Dubai and Abu Dhabi on Saturday after Iran launched a wave of ballistic missiles and drones targeting U.S. military assets in the Gulf, in direct retaliation for coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian territory earlier in the day.
UAE authorities confirmed that air defense systems intercepted several incoming Iranian missiles in what the Ministry of Defense described as a “blatant attack.” At least one person—an Asian national—was killed in Abu Dhabi when debris from an intercepted missile struck a residential building. Residents in both emirates reported hearing repeated blasts, air-raid sirens, and seeing smoke plumes rising in parts of the capital and near Dubai’s Jabal Ali Port and Marina area.
As a precautionary measure, the iconic Burj Khalifa—the world’s tallest building—was fully evacuated, with videos and eyewitness accounts showing people leaving the skyscraper amid heightened security alerts. Dubai Airports announced the immediate suspension of all flight operations at Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC) “until further notice.” The UAE temporarily closed its airspace as an exceptional security step.
The strikes on the UAE form part of Iran’s broader retaliation against U.S. bases and assets across the region. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for targeting:
- The U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain
- Bases in Qatar (including Al Udeid)
- Facilities in Kuwait and the UAE (including Al Dhafra Air Base)
- Additional launches toward Israel
Interceptions were also reported over Saudi Arabia (Riyadh area) and Jordan. No major U.S. casualties have been confirmed so far, though infrastructure damage was reported in Bahrain.
### Background to the Escalation
The day began with Israel and the United States launching what they described as pre-emptive strikes on Iranian military, missile, and nuclear-related sites. U.S. President Donald Trump posted a video announcing “major combat operations” under the name Operation Epic Fury, aimed at dismantling Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities and calling on Iranians to “take over” their government. Israel dubbed its parallel operation Lion’s Roar.
Explosions and smoke were reported in Tehran and other Iranian cities, with Iranian officials claiming civilian casualties, including at a girls’ school.
# Regional and International Reaction
The UAE, which hosts thousands of U.S. troops, strongly condemned the Iranian attacks as a violation of its sovereignty and said it reserves the right to respond. Indian authorities in the UAE have advised all Indian nationals to remain indoors, avoid non-essential travel, and stay updated via official channels.
Airlines worldwide have begun rerouting or cancelling flights to the Gulf and Israel. Global oil prices surged on fears of wider disruption to energy supplies.
This is a rapidly developing situation. Authorities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have urged residents to follow emergency alerts, stay away from windows, and avoid spreading unverified videos or rumors.
Stay tuned for further updates as the conflict continues to unfold across the Middle East.
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