Iran hits luxury Dubai hotel in retaliatory strikes across region

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Iran hits luxury Dubai hotel in retaliatory strikes across Arab region

February 28, 2026

DUBAI,— A fire erupted at the luxury Fairmont The Palm Hotel in Dubai after Iran launched regional attacks in retaliation for a US-Israel strike, officials said.

Videos shared on social media showed flames engulfing parts of the hotel and thick black smoke rising into the sky.

Dubai authorities reported that four people were injured in the blaze, which occurred in the Palm Jumeirah area. The fire was later brought under control, though authorities did not provide further details.

The UAE Ministry of Defense (MoD) reported that the country was targeted today by Iranian ballistic missiles. UAE air defense systems successfully intercepted several missiles, demonstrating high efficiency. Some missile debris fell in a residential area, causing limited material damage, which authorities promptly addressed.

The attacks by Iran followed a US-Israel offensive, which Tehran called “massive.” Iranian drones reportedly targeted US military assets throughout the Gulf region, excluding Oman.

By Saturday evening, Iranian drones had struck residential areas in Dubai and Bahrain, local reports said.

Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait, all home to US military bases, reported intercepting missiles fired in their direction.

In Bahrain, thick plumes of black smoke were seen near the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Manama.

Authorities have not confirmed the extent of the damage, and the US has not released a statement. Video from Manama showed a drone hitting a tower block, exploding into a yellow fireball.

In Doha, Qatar’s defence ministry said its forces intercepted several missiles apparently aimed at the al-Udeid air base, the largest US facility in the region.

Footage also showed residents fleeing as a missile fell in a nearby area. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry called the attacks “a flagrant violation of its national sovereignty” and condemned the escalation as unacceptable.

In Dubai, videos from a nearby building captured the moment of impact at the Fairmont The Palm Hotel, showing a large orange fireball and debris.

Emergency crews responded quickly, and authorities confirmed the blaze was under control. Iranian media reported that the country had launched attacks on Dubai, but did not specify targets.

The UAE Ministry of Defence said on X that its forces intercepted multiple drones and missiles, calling the attacks “a blatant violation of national sovereignty and international law.”

The ministry said debris fell on a residential area in Abu Dhabi, causing material damage and killing one civilian.

US forces have about 13 bases across the Middle East, with an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 troops deployed at any time. Bahrain officials confirmed the attack on the US Naval Support Activity Bahrain, home to anti-mine and logistical support vessels.

In Kuwait, explosions were reported near the international airport. The local news agency Kuna said several employees were injured, and the terminal suffered limited damage.

US air defenses reportedly shot down a drone over a US base near Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan, Reuters reported.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the attacks were part of operation “Truthful Promise 4,” targeting US bases and assets in response to the Saturday morning US-Israel strike.

That attack, which began at approximately 09:30 Tehran time (06:00 GMT), targeted locations linked to Iranian leadership.

Israel reported missile sirens across the country, saying it intercepted multiple Iranian-launched missiles. Jordan’s armed forces said two ballistic missiles targeting its territory were destroyed, with no casualties reported.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the US-Israel strike “wholly unprovoked, illegal, and illegitimate,” and said Iran’s armed forces were ready to respond, warning that aggressors would be “taught the lesson they deserve.”

(With files from BBC | Agencies | WAM)