Dubai International Airport (DXB), one of the world’s busiest travel hubs, was damaged and four staff members were injured in a massive Iranian drone and missile barrage targeting the United Arab Emirates on Saturday, February 28 .
Damage and Casualties
Dubai International Airport (DXB): A concourse at the airport sustained “minor damage” in what officials described as an “incident” . Four airport employees were injured and have received medical treatment . Emergency response teams were immediately deployed, and most passengers had been evacuated from the area before the strike due to prior planning .
Burj Al Arab Hotel: The iconic sail-shaped hotel, often touted as the world’s first seven-star hotel, was also damaged . A drone was intercepted, and its debris caused a small fire on the hotel’s outer facade . Civil Defense teams quickly extinguished the fire, and no injuries were reported at the hotel .
Jebel Ali Port: Falling debris from intercepting aerial threats also sparked a fire at one of the berths of Jebel Ali Port, one of the largest ports in the Middle East capable of handling U.S. Navy vessels . Firefighting teams responded to control the blaze .
Palm Jumeirah: An “incident” in a building on the Palm Jumeirah artificial island caused a fire and injured four people . Witnesses reported hearing an explosion and seeing smoke rising from a five-star hotel on the Palm .
Scale of the Attack
The UAE’s Ministry of Defence reported that Iran launched a massive assault, firing 137 ballistic missiles and 209 drones at the country’s territory . The vast majority were intercepted by the UAE’s air defense systems:
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132 missiles were destroyed, with 5 falling into the sea
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195 drones were intercepted, with 14 falling within UAE territory and waters, causing minor damage
Travel Disruption and Response
The attack caused widespread travel chaos across the region:
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Airspace Closed: The UAE, along with several other Gulf countries, closed its airspace . Flight-tracking maps showed the region’s airspace virtually empty .
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Flights Grounded: Dubai Airports announced that all flights at DXB and Al Maktoum International Airport were suspended . Major carriers including Emirates, Flydubai, and Etihad Airways halted operations . Over 1,600 flights were canceled .
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Stranded Passengers: The UAE’s aviation authority stated the government would cover accommodation costs for affected passengers, with approximately 20,200 individuals impacted by flight disruptions .
Wider Regional Context
The strikes on Dubai were part of a broader Iranian retaliation against U.S. and Israeli attacks. Other Gulf nations were also hit:
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Abu Dhabi: At least one person was killed and seven injured at Zayed International Airport .
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Bahrain: The international airport was targeted by a drone, resulting in material damage .
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Qatar: Eight people were injured in attacks .
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Kuwait: Three Kuwaiti soldiers and 12 others were injured .
The UAE government urged calm and assured residents that food and essential supplies remain sufficient, despite some reports of panic buying . Schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi were directed to shift to distance learning .
