(Image source from: Express.co.uk)
Explosions shook the artificial island of Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, and debris from drones set off a fire at the luxurious Burj Al Arab hotel as waves of missiles from Iran targeted the United Arab Emirates on Saturday, February 28, as reported by officials. Dubai's airport, which is the busiest in the world for international travelers, along with Jebel Ali seaport, faced damages as these unexpected attacks hit key sites in the city that generate significant income.
Two people who were on Palm Jumeirah, a fancy development shaped like a palm tree for living and recreation, heard a blast and witnessed smoke coming from a five-star hotel. The media office in Dubai confirmed that a "situation" at a building on Palm Jumeirah led to a fire that harmed four individuals. Later, another explosion occurred near the same location, after an observer saw what seemed to be a drone fall from the sky nearby. The UAE reported that Iran launched 137 missiles and 209 drones against its land, with the majority intercepted by defense mechanisms.
Debris from one intercepted drone ignited a fire at the base of the Burj Al Arab, a building shaped like a sail, often described as the first seven-star hotel worldwide. "Authorities confirmed that a drone was stopped and its debris caused a small fire on the outer part of the Burj Al Arab," stated the Dubai Media Office on X. "Emergency teams acted right away and managed to control the situation. There are no reports of injuries. " A reporter from Agence France-Presse noticed a police vehicle stationed at the hotel's entrance, which was off-limits to pedestrians and cars. Four employees were hurt at the Dubai airport due to minor damages in one area, according to the management of the airport. The UAE had already shut its airspace, meaning most travelers had already exited the airport. In the capital, Abu Dhabi, one individual died and seven were injured in an "incident" at Zayed International Airport, as stated by its managing body. Falling debris from a drone interception also caused a fire at Dubai's Jebel Ali port, which accommodates US warships and can handle aircraft carriers. "Dubai's Civil Defense teams responded instantly and are still working to completely put out the fire," the Dubai Media Office shared on X.
Dubai's airport and seaport bring in about 60% of the emirate's income, according to official figures. Approximately 90% of the UAE's residents are foreigners, with Dubai being the largest city, known for its carefully crafted image of luxury and glamour. Iran attacked all the oil-rich Gulf nations except Oman, which is acting as a mediator in the discussions between the US and Iran, as retaliation for assaults by the US and Israel.
