Burj Khalifa witnessed something not very 'tourist-ey' today, something that many have not imagined in the past decade. As the Israel-Iran conflict escalated, it found its way to the heart of Dubai, with the world's tallest building evacuated after explosions rang across the city.
UAE now remains on 'high alert' as tensions escalate, with Iran targeting US military locations across the Gulf regions.
Burj Khalifa evacuated
Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, was evacuated on Saturday after explosions and missile alerts were reported across the city amid the rapidly escalating Israel–Iran conflict, according to multiple reports and eyewitness accounts.
The evacuation came as Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes across the Gulf following joint US and Israeli attacks on Iranian territory earlier in the day. Reports indicated that Iranian strikes targeted US-linked military facilities in several countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain, dramatically widening the scope of the confrontation.
Dubai residents report explosions
Residents in Dubai described hearing loud explosions and seeing activity in the sky, prompting emergency protocols across key civilian locations. Visitors and staff inside Burj Khalifa were evacuated as a precaution while security forces moved to secure the surrounding areas.
Authorities have not confirmed any direct strike on the landmark itself.
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However, missile activity and interceptor debris linked to Iranian attacks elsewhere in the UAE heightened fears of civilian risk.
The crisis has pushed the UAE onto high alert, with aviation disruptions and temporary airport shutdowns reported in Dubai as airlines reassess routes through the increasingly volatile Gulf airspace.
While the situation in Dubai remains tense, authorities have urged residents and tourists to stay calm as defensive measures continue across the Gulf region.
