In the extraordinary chaos of today for the Emirates, officials ordered the emergency evacuation of the Burj Khalifa and ceased operations at Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC) airports after a series of Iranian missile strikes.
The Attack and Interception
UAE Ministry of Defence data confirmed that its air defence systems had intercepted multiple ballistic missiles launched from Iranian territory. Most were neutralized, but debris that fell on top interrupted operations significantly. One civilian fatality — a person of Asian nationality was reported by officials in Abu Dhabi when missile fragments struck a residential area of the city.
The Palm Jumeirah Hit
In Dubai, dramatic footage showing a Shahed drone or missile debris hitting the Palm Jumeirah area appeared on social media. A fire was reported to have broken out near a luxury hotel on the man-made island, according to reports, with at least four individuals injured. The Dubai Media Office said emergency personnel secured the site and are dealing with the aftermath.
Burj Khalifa and Airport Closure
The evacuation of the Burj Khalifa was a “precautionary measure” intended to protect residents and tourists from debris or secondary strikes as sirens blared through the Downtown district, it said. Meanwhile, the General Civil Aviation Authority partially closed UAE airspace. Thousands of passengers are stranded at Dubai International Airport the world’s busiest international travel center after the airport suspended all flights "until further notice."
Regional Context
The attacks are part of a wider Iranian reaction to American and Israeli strikes on Tehran, which have purportedly hit Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure. Missile intercepts also took place over Doha, Qatar, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain reported a direct threat to the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters.
