Iran launched a large-scale missile and drone offensive against the United Arab Emirates, targeting major civilian and commercial sites including Dubai International Airport, Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel, and Jebel Ali Port.
According to the UAE’s Ministry of Defence, Iran fired 137 ballistic missiles and 209 drones at the country. Of those, 132 missiles were destroyed and five fell into the sea, while 195 drones were intercepted and 14 landed within UAE territory and waters, causing minor damage.
Casualties and Damage
At Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest travel hubs; four people were injured and a concourse sustained minor damage. Emergency response teams were deployed immediately.
At Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, one Asian national was killed and seven others were injured in a separate drone interception incident. A fire also broke out at one of the berths at Jebel Ali Port due to aerial interception debris, though no injuries were reported there.
The Burj Al Arab, Dubai’s sail-shaped ultra-luxury hotel situated on an artificial island off Jumeirah Beach, was struck by drone shrapnel that sparked a fire on its outer facade. The fire was brought under control. A separate fire also broke out near the five-star Fairmont The Palm hotel on Palm Jumeirah island.
Aviation Disruption
Iran also fired missiles at Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Doha; all critical east-west aviation gateways. Airlines suspended flights across the region, leaving airspace largely empty. Hundreds of thousands of travellers were stranded at Dubai International Airport, with crowds filling terminals and luggage piling up.
Kuwait International Airport and several other regional airports were also affected by closures and cancellations. The UAE’s General Authority of Civil Aviation announced that the state would bear all accommodation and meal costs for the approximately 20,200 stranded passengers.
Broader Regional Context
The strikes came as a retaliatory response following US and Israeli military operations targeting Iran. US President Donald Trump stated that the strikes would continue “uninterrupted throughout the week or as long as necessary” to achieve peace across the Middle East.
Blasts were reported across Dubai, Doha, and Bahrain’s Manama, with sirens activated in multiple cities. The escalating conflict has drawn in most countries across the region, with Oman being a notable exception.
Response and Recovery
Schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been directed to shift to distance learning until Thursday. Authorities urged the public not to circulate outdated footage, including videos from the Jebel Ali Port fire of July 2021, and confirmed that official updates would be issued as new information became available.
