Two landmark hotels in Dubai were damaged by falling debris after the United Arab Emirates intercepted missiles and drones launched from Iran, authorities confirmed.
The Fairmont The Palm on Palm Jumeirah and the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab were struck by shrapnel when air-defence systems destroyed incoming projectiles over the city.
Explosions were also reported in Abu Dhabi and several other Gulf cities after Iran carried out retaliatory strikes following a joint US–Israeli military action on Saturday morning.
The earlier operation reportedly killed several senior Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, prompting Tehran to vow revenge.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said a new leadership council “has begun its work,” while former US President Donald Trump indicated he had agreed to hold talks with Iran’s new key political figures.
Explosions Heard Across the Gulf
For a second consecutive day on Sunday, residents reported hearing blasts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE, as well as in Manama and Doha, heightening fears of a wider regional conflict in an area long viewed as relatively stable within the Middle East.
Witnesses in Doha described several loud explosions and thick black smoke rising over the southern part of the city under clear morning skies.
Shortly afterwards, another wave of blasts echoed across Dubai, a major regional business hub. White plumes from missile interceptions were visible overhead, while darker smoke was seen rising from the direction of Jebel Ali, home to one of the Middle East’s busiest ports.
Casualties Reported
The UAE Ministry of Defence said three people were killed in the attacks. The victims were identified as nationals of Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.
Authorities across the Gulf remain on high alert as tensions continue to escalate following the latest exchange of strikes.
