A luxury hotel on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah was engulfed in flames after being struck by debris from an intercepted missile during a wave of escalating military exchanges across the Middle East, authorities and eyewitnesses confirmed.
Black smoke was seen rising over parts of Dubai after what officials described as falling debris from an Iranian missile intercepted by regional air defence systems reportedly hit the Fairmont The Palm hotel located on the man-made island. Videos circulating online showed sections of the hotel consumed by fire, while witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion in the tourist district.
The incident occurred amid heightened regional tensions following retaliatory strikes launched by Iran after coordinated United States and Israeli military operations earlier in the day. Iranian authorities had earlier warned of a forceful response, declaring there would be “no red lines” in reacting to what Tehran described as aggression.
Officials in the United Arab Emirates said the damage in Dubai resulted from intercepted missile fragments rather than a direct strike. State media also confirmed that one person was killed following missile interceptions within the country, while airspace operations were temporarily suspended in Abu Dhabi as residents reported hearing multiple loud blasts.
Explosions were also reported near a United States naval installation in Bahrain, with smoke observed close to the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet. Regional defence systems were activated across several Gulf states, including Qatar and Jordan, both of which reportedly intercepted incoming ballistic missiles.
Tourists and residents in Dubai were seen taking cover as interception activity continued overhead. Footage shared on social media captured expanding clouds in the sky believed to be caused by missile defence engagements.
Elsewhere, rockets were reported near Erbil International Airport in Iraq, where US forces are stationed. Sirens were also heard in Kuwait as regional security forces responded to the developing situation.The latest developments mark a significant escalation in Middle East tensions, raising concerns over wider regional instability as military exchanges continue across multiple countries.
