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Dubai residents shelter indoors amid missile and drone attacks
For the second consecutive day, Dubai remains on high alert as Iranian missiles and drones target the city in retaliation for recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. Residents and tourists describe scenes far removed from the emirate's usual bustling routine.
Luxury landmarks and airport hit
Key infrastructure bore the brunt of the assault. Dubai International Airport, one of the world's busiest hubs, sustained damage in what officials termed an "incident." The Palm Jumeirah's iconic Fairmont The Palm hotel was struck by a powerful explosion, while debris from an intercepted drone sparked a minor fire on the exterior of the Burj Al Arab.
Residents describe surreal scenes
Becky Williams, a Dubai resident, recounted seeing roughly 15 missiles launched from behind her home-UAE defense interceptors countering Iranian projectiles. "You can hear the interceptions happening in the air," she said. Despite the chaos, Williams expressed confidence in the UAE military's ability to secure the skies, predicting the situation would "blow over soon."
Satya Jaganathan, a 35-year-old resident, had planned a weekend hike but found herself sheltering in place instead. Her sister's family, living near Jebel Ali port-where debris from an aerial interception ignited a fire-took refuge with their pets. "It's still relatively calm, but the loud noises every few hours make it eerie," Jaganathan said. "This isn't the Dubai we're used to."
Tourists stranded as flights grounded
The attacks triggered one of the most severe disruptions to global travel since the COVID-19 pandemic. Thousands of flights to and from the Middle East were canceled, leaving travelers scrambling for alternatives.
"I met people missing funerals, others in transit who are now stuck,"
Judy Trotter, stranded tourist
Trotter, who was supposed to return to London on Saturday, was among 1,000 passengers rerouted to a hotel, where they were advised to avoid windows due to the risk of shattered glass. "We've heard several missiles throughout the day," she added.
Kate Fischer, another British tourist, described a tense night preparing emergency supplies as her children slept. "We packed a grab bag and soaked towels in case we needed to escape a fire," she said. The following day, she noted the surreal contrast of families trying to enjoy their holidays while smoke from nearby strikes lingered in the air.
Celebrities caught in crossfire
Among those affected was Strictly Come Dancing contestant Vicky Pattison, whose flight to Australia was canceled. In an Instagram post, she expressed solidarity with those feeling "unsettled and unsafe." Dubai, a favored destination for the wealthy and famous, has seen its share of high-profile disruptions.
Attacks persist as regional tensions escalate
Iran's retaliatory strikes continued into Sunday, with no immediate signs of de-escalation. Residents and visitors alike grapple with the uncertainty, as the conflict reshapes daily life in a city unaccustomed to such turmoil.
