Explosions rocked Dubai and Abu Dhabi repeatedly throughout the day on February 28. By evening, eyewitnesses reported a significant fire in the Palm Jumeirah area, where the five-star Fairmont The Palm hotel caught fire, with smoke and flames visible over the island. The incident is part of a massive escalation currently unfolding across the Middle East.
According to Bloomberg, these developments follow a retaliatory wave from Tehran. Just hours after the United States and Israel launched strikes against targets within Iran, Tehran responded by shelling regional countries hosting American military bases, including the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq. US President Donald Trump characterized the American operation as "massive." Reports from high-ranking Iranian officials suggest that Iran's Supreme Leader survived the initial strikes.
Missiles were intercepted over Riyadh, Doha, and Abu Dhabi. In the financial center of Abu Dhabi, projectiles were visible to the naked eye, while residents in neighboring Dubai reported hearing explosions all day. At least one casualty—a Pakistani citizen—was confirmed in Abu Dhabi due to falling debris; the UAE has expressed condolences to his family. New loud explosions were heard in Dubai in the evening, and according to Reuters and Iran International, the Fairmont The Palm hotel was engulfed in flames.
UAE Authorities' Reaction
The UAE quickly stated that its air defense systems successfully engaged the missiles, emphasizing that the safety of citizens, residents, and guests remains the top priority. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement "strongly" condemning Iran's attacks on its territory and the territory of brotherly nations, labeling them a "gross violation of state sovereignty and a clear contradiction of international law and the UN Charter." The country expressed a categorical rejection of "using the territories of regional states as arenas for settling disputes," warning of dire consequences for global economic stability and energy security.
Furthermore, the UAE made it clear that it will not allow its airspace, territory, or waters to be used for any military actions against Iran and does not intend to provide any logistical support. While calling for restraint and a return to diplomatic dialogue, the UAE specifically noted that it maintains the "full and legal right to take responsive measures" to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with international law.
Saudi Arabia expressed solidarity with the UAE, as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed to offer full support. This comes despite a complicated period in bilateral relations; in December, Saudi jets reportedly struck a weapons shipment being transported from the UAE to Yemen.
Life in the City: Official Assurances vs. Reality
While the Dubai Press Service reported that the city is functioning normally, the situation on the streets told a different story. Bloomberg correspondents reported mass panic buying of water and food in supermarkets, forcing authorities to issue reassurances regarding supply levels. Emirates, the world’s largest international carrier, has temporarily suspended flights, a move expected to have a significant impact on the global travel industry given Dubai's role as a primary transit hub.
Several nations immediately issued emergency warnings for their citizens in the Middle East. The United Kingdom urged its citizens in the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar to "shelter in place immediately." The United States issued similar recommendations to its citizens in the region.
On Saturday, February 28, Israel and the United States launched large-scale coordinated strikes against Iran. According to statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump, the primary objective of the operation was the elimination of the military and political leadership of the Islamic Republic.
Iran has launched Fattah hypersonic missiles, according to the state broadcasting corporation IRIB. Reports indicate the missiles were directed at US military bases.
The Iranian Fattah ballistic missiles are classified as medium-to-long-range weapons and, according to Iranian officials, possess hypersonic characteristics. Tehran claims these missiles can reach speeds of Mach 13 to 15, maneuver mid-flight, and are extremely difficult for modern air defense systems to intercept. With an operational range of approximately 1,400 kilometers, the missiles are capable of striking targets at significant distances.