Iranian missile and drone attacks hit Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab hotel and airport, causing fires and minor damage across the UAE.

DUBAI: Waves of Iranian missiles and drones struck landmarks across the United Arab Emirates on Saturday, causing fires and minor damage at several of Dubai’s most iconic sites.

The unprecedented attacks targeted the Palm Jumeirah man-made island, the Burj Al Arab hotel and Dubai International Airport. The UAE government said 137 missiles and 209 drones were fired at its territory by Iran, with most intercepted by defence systems.

An explosion and fire occurred at a building on the upscale Palm Jumeirah, injuring four people. Hours later, a second blast was reported near the same location after a witness saw what looked like a drone plunge from above.

Debris from an intercepted drone sparked a fire at the base of the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel. Dubai’s media office confirmed the minor fire on the hotel’s outer facade was quickly brought under control by civil defence teams, with no injuries reported.

At Dubai airport, the world’s busiest for international travel, four staff were wounded and a concourse sustained minor damage. The UAE had already closed its airspace prior to the attacks.

Falling debris also ignited a blaze at Dubai’s Jebel Ali port, a facility capable of hosting US warships. Firefighting teams responded immediately to contain the fire.

In the capital Abu Dhabi, one person was killed and seven wounded in an incident at Zayed International Airport, its governing body said. The attacks represent a major escalation, directly targeting the UAE’s vital tourism and trade infrastructure.

Dubai’s airport and seaport account for an estimated 60% of the emirate’s revenues. Iran launched the strikes in reprisal for attacks by the US and Israel, targeting all Gulf countries except Oman.

 The Sun Malaysia