Quick Read
- Iranian Shahed-136 drones and missiles targeted Dubai and Abu Dhabi on February 28, 2026.
- UAE air defense systems successfully intercepted all incoming threats, confirming no major damage or injuries.
- The Burj Khalifa was evacuated as a precaution after explosions were heard nearby.
- Debris reportedly struck a hotel on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah island.
- Emirates airline temporarily suspended operations, causing widespread flight disruptions.
DUBAI (Azat TV) – Iranian Shahed-136 kamikaze drones and missiles targeted key locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi on Saturday, February 28, 2026, triggering extensive air defense responses across the United Arab Emirates. While UAE authorities confirmed the successful interception of all incoming threats, preventing significant damage or casualties, the incident marked a dramatic escalation in regional hostilities following a series of retaliatory strikes between Iran, the United States, and Israel.
The attacks prompted precautionary evacuations, widespread disruptions to air travel, and heightened anxiety among residents of the typically stable Gulf financial hub. The UAE Ministry of Defence swiftly condemned the actions as a ‘flagrant violation of national sovereignty and international law.’
Iranian Drones Spark Alarm Near Dubai Landmarks
The morning of February 28 saw multiple Iranian Shahed-136 drones and missiles streaking across Gulf skies, with loud explosions reported across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Witness accounts and circulating video footage captured smoke plumes rising near central Dubai, including close to the iconic Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Residents described hearing powerful blasts, leading to immediate concern.
The Burj Khalifa was evacuated as a precautionary measure, according to officials, after explosions were heard in the vicinity. Separately, debris reportedly struck a hotel or resort on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah island. Two witnesses told AFP they heard a powerful explosion and observed thick black smoke rising from a hotel structure, with ambulances rushing to the scene. Despite these alarming events, UAE authorities have not released verified details on whether the incidents were caused by missile debris, an intercepted drone, or another object, with confirmation on the precise cause remaining pending.
UAE Air Defenses Successfully Intercept Threats
The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence confirmed that its air defense systems ‘successfully intercepted a new wave of Iranian missiles and drones launched towards the country, and dealt with them with high efficiency, without any serious material damage.’ Officials reiterated that fragments from the interceptions fell in various areas of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, but stressed that ‘there were no injuries at the sites.’
Dubai’s media office later stated that the city was operating normally despite the scare. However, the Ministry of Defence emphasized its readiness to respond to further threats and reserved ‘its full right to take all necessary measures to protect its territory and citizens, and to ensure the preservation of its sovereignty, security and stability.’ The Ministry also urged the public to rely on official state sources for information and to avoid circulating rumors.
Wider Regional Conflict and Travel Disruptions
The drone and missile activity over the UAE came amidst a rapidly intensifying conflict across West Asia. Earlier on Saturday, the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran under what the Pentagon named ‘Operation Epic Fury,’ reportedly targeting Iranian officials and sites linked to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. US President Donald Trump confirmed Washington’s role, warning of widespread military action.
Iran responded with retaliatory missile and drone strikes targeting US assets in Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, as well as firing missiles at Israel. Explosions were reported in Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi during these exchanges. The escalating confrontation led to widespread airspace closures across Iran, Israel, Iraq, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain, causing significant disruptions to international air travel. Emirates, one of the world’s busiest international hubs, temporarily suspended operations, impacting thousands of passengers globally. Airlines like Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, and Air India also suspended or rerouted flights, citing safety concerns.
The direct targeting of major civilian and economic hubs like Dubai, even with successful intercepts, marks a significant and dangerous escalation in the ongoing regional conflict, signaling a new phase of confrontation where critical infrastructure in previously stable Gulf nations is increasingly at risk.