Dubai International Airport and other key UAE sites were rocked by fresh explosions as Iran launched a brutal missile and drone blitz across the region. The attacks followed the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, triggering Tehran’s fierce retaliation targeting airports, hotels, and ports.
Chaos at Dubai and Abu Dhabi Airports
Smoke billowed over Dubai International Airport this morning as flights were halted indefinitely at the world’s busiest air hub, which handles around 250,000 passengers daily.
At Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, one person was killed and seven were injured after a mysterious blast. Officials confirmed the fatality involved an Asian national, with wounded victims receiving emergency care.
Dubai authorities reported “minor damage” to a concourse with four staff injured but quickly treated. Shocking footage showed thick smoke filling terminals as terrified passengers and staff rushed to evacuate.
Iran’s Bombardment Rampage Hits Hotels and Ports
The iconic Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai caught fire following what appeared to be a suicide drone strike or missile debris impact during Iran’s onslaught. Four people were injured during the blaze at the luxurious Fairmont The Palm in the Palm Jumeirah area.
Elsewhere, enormous plumes of smoke erupted at a shopping centre in Sharjah, reportedly after a drone strike. Rescue teams fear people may be trapped under the rubble.
Jebel Ali port also saw smoke rising amid mounting tensions, where US naval forces had recently amassed.
Iran Launches 137 Missiles at the UAE
The UAE Ministry of Defence revealed Iran launched 137 ballistic missiles overnight, with air defences shooting down 132 and the remainder falling harmlessly into the Persian Gulf.
A woman and child sustained minor injuries when a drone was intercepted near Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Towers.
Residents Describe Scenes of Fear and Flight
Peter, a British finance exec living in Dubai, described the situation as “completely surreal.”
“We heard several loud explosions overnight and again this morning. Fighter jets thunder overhead while people rush supermarkets to stock up,” he told The Sun.
Holidaymakers in Abu Dhabi recalled hearing a series of loud blasts, while hotel staff handed out free ice lollies to help calm guests. Tourists were later told to remain indoors to avoid falling debris from intercepted missiles.
British Airways passenger Mike Boreham was fully boarded on a flight from Dubai to Heathrow when staff abruptly cancelled due to airspace closures.
Regional Turmoil Intensifies After US-Israel Strikes
The strikes come amid escalating conflict following joint US-Israeli attacks that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, earlier this week. Iran has vowed to launch its “most intense offensive operation” targeting Israeli and American bases with “regret-inducing punishment.”
Meanwhile, Bahrain also confirmed drone damage at its international airport, with no casualties reported.
Tensions continue to soar in the Middle East, with thousands of holidaymakers stranded and regional airspace locked down amid an unprecedented wave of violence.
