DUBAI – An explosion rocked Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, the famed man-made island, on Saturday, February 29, 2026, as Iran launched retaliatory strikes across the region. Authorities have confirmed four people were injured in the incident, which involved a fire at a hotel on the Palm. The attack, part of a broader escalation following joint US and Israeli military actions against Iran, sent shockwaves through the United Arab Emirates, a nation typically considered a haven of stability in the Middle East.
Witnesses described hearing a loud blast and seeing a plume of black smoke rising from the Palm Jumeirah area. One witness reported seeing thick smoke emanating from a hotel and the arrival of numerous ambulances. The Dubai Media Office later confirmed an “incident” in a building within the Palm Jumeirah, resulting in a fire and injuries to four individuals. “Dubai Civil Defence has confirmed that the resulting fire is now under control,” the office stated. “Four individuals sustained injuries and have been transferred to medical facilities.”
Retaliation for ‘Operation Epic Fury’
The strikes against Dubai are part of a sweeping Iranian response to ‘Operation Epic Fury,’ a large-scale joint military offensive launched by the United States and Israel earlier on Saturday. According to a video statement released by President Donald Trump, the operation aimed to eliminate “imminent threats from the Iranian regime” by targeting Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities, nuclear program infrastructure and senior leadership. The operation began at 1:15 am local time, as reported by IBTimes UK.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) swiftly declared that all US bases in the region had been struck and warned of continued attacks “until the enemy is decisively defeated.” The retaliatory strikes extended beyond Dubai, with reports of intercepted missiles in Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait – all countries hosting US military bases. The BBC reported that huge plumes of smoke were seen rising near the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Manama, Bahrain, though the extent of any damage remains unclear.
Dubai Under Fire: Fairmont The Palm Targeted
Specifically, the attack in Dubai targeted the Fairmont The Palm hotel, setting the luxury property ablaze. France 24 and other news outlets confirmed the incident. The Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, was also evacuated as a precautionary measure while UAE air defense systems worked to intercept incoming Iranian ballistic missiles and drones. Further bangs were heard by residents and AFP correspondents throughout the city following the initial explosion.
The Palm Jumeirah, a symbol of Dubai’s ambition and luxury, was a surprising target. Dubai, and the UAE more broadly, has long cultivated a reputation as a safe and stable destination, attracting tourists and investors from around the globe. Roughly 90 percent of the UAE’s population consists of foreigners, and Dubai is its most populated city. The attack on such a prominent landmark underscores the escalating tensions in the region and the potential for wider conflict.
Regional Impact and Oman’s Role
Iran’s strikes targeted all oil-rich Gulf countries with the exception of Oman, which has been playing a mediating role in US-Iran talks. The coordinated nature of the attacks suggests a deliberate attempt to pressure the United States and Israel to de-escalate the conflict. Qatar’s defense ministry reported intercepting several missiles apparently targeting the al-Udeid air base, the largest US base in the region.
Smoke billows above Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah on 28 February 2026 after an Iranian drone struck the Fairmont The Palm hotel during Tehran’s retaliatory campaign across the Gulf states. Screenshot from X/Twitter/@KunwarVeer805 pic.twitter.com/LimJmpLkgZ
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 28, 2026
The Dubai Media Office also reported an “incident” at Dubai International Airport on Sunday morning, resulting in four injuries and minor damage to a concourse. The airport, a major global transportation hub, remains operational, but travelers should expect potential disruptions. Authorities have not specified the nature of the incident at the airport, but it is believed to be related to the ongoing attacks.
The situation remains fluid and highly volatile. The UAE government has urged residents to remain calm and follow official guidance. Further updates will be provided as they become available. The next confirmed checkpoint will be a scheduled press conference by the Dubai Media Office at 14:00 GST on Sunday, March 1, 2026, to provide a more detailed assessment of the situation and outline any further safety measures.
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