Dubai: Dubai's key infrastructure, including its main airport, an iconic luxury hotel, and a major port facility, sustained damage after overnight Iranian retaliatory strikes spread across the Gulf region.
Authorities confirmed injuries, minor structural damage, and temporary disruptions to aviation operations as tensions escalated across West Asia.
4 injured at Dubai International Airport
Dubai's media office said four people were injured in an incident at Dubai International Airport (DXB), one of the world's busiest aviation hubs.
A concourse at the airport sustained minor damage, which officials described as "quickly contained." No extensive operational shutdown was reported, though Reuters indicated that one terminal was affected during the overnight strikes.
Iran had fired missiles targeting key east-west aviation gateways, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, raising alarm across the regional aviation sector.
Drone intercepted; Minor fire at Burj Al Arab
Dubai's media office later confirmed that a drone was intercepted over the city. Falling debris caused a minor fire on the outer facade of the Burj Al Arab, one of the emirate's most recognisable landmarks.
The sail-shaped hotel, opened in 1999 on an artificial island off Jumeirah Beach, has long symbolised Dubai's global luxury image. Officials said the fire was contained quickly and caused only limited external damage.
Fire reported on Palm Jumeirah
On Saturday, a separate fire broke out near another hotel on Palm Jumeirah, the city's artificial island known for luxury resorts and residences.
Jebel Ali Port berth catches fire
In a separate statement, Dubai's media office confirmed that one berth at Jebel Ali Port caught fire due to debris from an intercepted aerial object.
Jebel Ali Port is one of the region's most important trade gateways, handling a significant share of cargo moving between Asia, Europe and Africa.
The overnight strikes were part of broader Iranian retaliatory attacks targeting U.S. bases and allied infrastructure across the Gulf. Missiles were reported over Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Doha.
In Abu Dhabi, authorities initially reported that an incident at Zayed International Airport resulted in one fatality involving an Asian national and seven inj