Dubai Airport Hit, Burj Al Arab on Fire, Burj Khalifa Evacuated: Iran Launches 346 Missiles and Drones at UAE in Unprecedented Dubai Bombing
Sunday, March 1, 2026 — In the most shocking development of the overnight Gulf crisis, Iran has directly struck Dubai International Airport, the Burj Al Arab hotel, Jebel Ali Port, and Palm Jumeirah in a relentless wave of 137 missiles and 209 drones aimed at the UAE. Dubai — long considered the world's safest luxury destination — is now a city under attack, its most iconic landmarks damaged and its airspace locked shut.
Dubai Airport Hit: Terminal Concourse Damaged, Four Workers Injured
Dubai's international airport and its landmark Burj Al Arab hotel sustained damage as overnight Iranian retaliatory attacks spread across the Gulf states and the wider Middle East, reaching beyond US bases and interests. Four people were injured at the airport, the emirate's media office said early on Sunday.
Dubai's media office confirmed that a concourse at Dubai International Airport sustained minor damage in an incident which was quickly contained. Aviation sources told Reuters that an overnight Iranian attack damaged one of the terminals directly. With Dubai International Airport handling more than 88 million passengers annually — making it the single busiest airport on earth for international traffic — even minor structural damage carries enormous economic and operational consequences that could take weeks to reverse.
Burj Al Arab Hotel Struck: Drone Debris Ignites Iconic Facade
Debris from an intercepted drone sparked a fire at the base of the Burj Al Arab, the sail-shaped building sometimes touted as the world's first seven-star hotel. Authorities confirmed that a drone was intercepted and debris caused a minor fire on the Burj Al Arab's outer facade. Civil Defence teams responded immediately and brought the incident under control. No injuries were reported at the hotel itself.
An AFP correspondent saw a police car deployed at the entrance of the Burj Al Arab hotel, which was blocked to all pedestrians and vehicles. Opened in 1999 on its own artificial island off Jumeirah Beach, the sail-shaped tower is among the most photographed buildings on earth and a global symbol of Dubai's ambition. Images of its facade on fire spread instantly worldwide, shattering a carefully built two-decade image of invincibility.
Jebel Ali Port on Fire, Burj Khalifa Evacuated, Al Maktoum Airport Shut
Fire broke out at Jebel Ali Port, one of the busiest ports in the UAE, after being struck by debris from an Iranian attack. Dubai's Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, was evacuated by Emirati officials amid the assault. Al Maktoum International Airport — lauded as the world's largest — suspended flights indefinitely.
One of the berths at Jebel Ali Port caught fire because of debris resulting from an aerial interception. The UAE said 137 missiles and 209 drones were fired at its territory by Iran, with most intercepted by defence systems. Jebel Ali Port is capable of hosting US warships including aircraft carriers and represents roughly a third of the UAE's non-oil trade. Its temporary closure sends shockwaves through global supply chains.
Abu Dhabi: One Dead, Seven Wounded at Zayed International Airport
Abu Dhabi Airports confirmed in a post on X that an incident at Zayed International Airport in the UAE capital resulted in one fatality involving an Asian national and seven injuries. Abu Dhabi hosts the US Al Dhafra Airbase approximately 140 kilometers from Dubai — one of Iran's primary stated targets in its Gulf-wide retaliation campaign. The capital had received emergency mobile alerts urging all residents to shelter immediately and stay away from windows.
"Dubai's Ultimate Nightmare" — What Iran's Strike Means for the City's Identity
One Gulf official told Middle East Eye this week that their leadership expected the UAE to come under intense Iranian fire because of its geographic proximity to Iran and Abu Dhabi's closeness to Israel. The UAE has emerged as Israel's closest Arab partner since they normalised ties under the 2021 US-brokered Abraham Accords.
Cinzia Bianco of the European Council on Foreign Relations captured the moment bluntly: "This is Dubai's ultimate nightmare as its very essence depended on being a safe oasis in a troubled region." Dubai has benefited enormously from post-COVID global wealth migration — crypto traders, London bankers, American finance professionals — all drawn precisely by the city's zero-tax, zero-conflict promise. That promise was shattered Saturday night.
What Travelers Need to Know About Dubai Airport Right Now
Dubai International Airport, along with Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport and airports elsewhere in the UAE, suspended flights after the government shuttered its airspace. The damage to one of the world's busiest airports and the iconic Burj Al Arab comes at a time when the UAE had been focused on boosting its tourism and luxury hospitality offerings.
Iran also reportedly sent drones toward Bahrain International Airport. Kuwait, Qatar, and Jordan have also reported increased Iranian pressure. Iraq's Foreign Ministry released a statement condemning attacks on civilian facilities, while Kuwait's foreign ministry called on all sides to exercise calm and restraint. Travelers with any itineraries through Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Doha in the coming days should contact their airline directly and register with their home country's embassy in the UAE.
