There have been several explosions in Dubai on Saturday evening after Iran launched missile strikes in the Gulf region in retaliation for the joint military operations carried out by the US and Israel against Iran.
Residents in different areas of the country claimed that they heard loud explosions and saw flashes of light in the sky as well as their windows shaking as a result of the interception of missiles in the air. Later, it was confirmed that emergency services had been dispatched in different areas of the country.
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According to different sources and reports given by residents and authorities of different countries through international media agencies, explosions have been seen in areas such as Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, and Sheikh Zayed Road.
Key locations where explosions were heard
Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai
Explosions were heard around central Dubai, including the Downtown district that houses the Burj Khalifa. Residents said a loud rumble was followed by a sharp blast, with several high-rise buildings reporting vibrations.
Authorities evacuated the Burj Khalifa as a precaution amid concerns that debris from intercepted missiles could fall in the area. Sirens were heard in parts of the city as air defence systems engaged incoming threats.
Palm Jumeirah
Dubai officials confirmed an “incident” at Palm Jumeirah after an explosion triggered a fire in a building on the artificial island. Emergency crews from Dubai Civil Defence rushed to the scene and brought the blaze under control.
According to officials, four people were injured and taken to nearby medical facilities. The site was secured soon after.
Sheikh Zayed Road corridor
Residents along Sheikh Zayed Road, including the area near Fairmont Dubai, reported loud booms and flashes in the sky.
Witnesses described seeing fireballs and smoke trails overhead as air defence systems intercepted missiles. Authorities said there were no confirmed reports of structural damage in this stretch of the city.
Dubai Marina
Although there were no confirmed impacts, residents living in Dubai Marina’s high-rise towers reported hearing the blasts clearly.
Several residents said buildings vibrated briefly, while others reported seeing streaks of light in the sky before they disappeared.
Jebel Ali area
People living near the Jebel Ali port area also reported hearing distant explosions. The zone hosts key logistics infrastructure and is a frequent port of call for US naval vessels.
While authorities did not confirm a strike in the area, the reports added to anxiety as tensions escalated across the Gulf.
What UAE authorities said
According to the UAE’s Ministry of Defence, air defense systems intercepted missiles and drones. It was explained that the falling debris landed in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, but there were no reports of casualties at those locations.
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Airports in Dubai suspended operations at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), advising passengers not to travel to the airports until further notice.
There was an appeal to residents not to spread unverified news on social media.
The missile strikes were a result of the military operations carried out by the US and Israel on Iranian targets earlier in the day, making it one of the most significant escalations in the region in recent times.
