Explosions were heard across Dubai and Abu Dhabi as the United Arab Emirates said it intercepted a new wave of Iranian missiles and drones, amid escalating regional tensions.
A building in the Palm Jumeirah area caught fire following what officials described as an “incident,” while witnesses reported multiple blasts and shaking windows across parts of Dubai.
The Dubai Government Media Office said “an incident occurred in a building in the Palm Jumeirah area,” a man-made archipelago known for its luxury hotels.
Emergency response teams were dispatched to the scene, and the resulting fire is now under control, according to the office.
Four people were injured and taken to hospital, officials said.
WATCH: Iranian missile hits Dubai. pic.twitter.com/hbB5XWbL84
— Clash Report (@clashreport) February 28, 2026
An eyewitness photo showed a plume of smoke rising near the Fairmont The Palm hotel in Dubai.
UAE intercepts new wave of missiles, drones
The UAE Ministry of Defence said it successfully intercepted a new wave of Iranian missiles and drones. The state news agency WAM reported that air defence systems destroyed several more missiles in the country’s airspace.
Al Jazeera reported another wave of missiles in UAE airspace and explosions heard over Dubai.
Reuters journalists in Dubai said they felt their windows shake with the blasts. Witnesses reported at least three large explosions over the Dubai area.
Abu Dhabi, Burj Khalifa area targeted
Earlier, state media reported that one person had been killed in Abu Dhabi. Reuters witnesses described a very loud bang in Abu Dhabi.
There were also reports of four people wounded in an attack on a hotel in Abu Dhabi.
WATCH: Full video showing the Shahed drone’s arrival in Dubai. https://t.co/rEwgK0f7vw pic.twitter.com/gNMtlJ4mgh
— Clash Report (@clashreport) February 28, 2026
Iranian state media claimed an attack had been launched on Dubai, though it remains unclear exactly what Iran was targeting. There is a US military presence in the country, including at Al Dhafra Air Base.
Reports suggest Iran may have struck Dubai with a Shahed kamikaze drone. There were also claims that areas near the Burj Khalifa were being targeted, with drones reportedly approaching the building.
Smoke, sirens across Gulf
Explosions were heard in the airspace of Dubai, and smoke was seen rising from parts of the city.
Meanwhile, in Bahrain, the Ministry of Interior announced that the all-clear siren had sounded across the country. The ministry urged residents not to go out unless necessary and to wait until authorities completed their procedures.
Bahrain had earlier confirmed an attack inside its territory, saying a service center of the US Fifth Fleet had been struck.
Regional escalation continues
Several Gulf Arab states have reported being targeted by Iranian missiles in the widening confrontation.
With intercepted missiles, damaged buildings, civilian injuries and ongoing air defence operations, the security situation across the UAE and the broader Gulf region remains highly volatile.
Authorities continue to monitor the evolving threat as emergency teams and defence systems remain on high alert.
