Saturday, February 28, 2026 Dubai was on fire. As part of an extensive Iranian retaliation for Israel and the United States' morning strike against Iran, Tehran forces carried out a direct missile-dron attack on the United Arab Emirates. One of the main objectives became Dubai International Airport (DXB) – the largest and busiest airport in the world.
According to Dubai Airports' confirmations and local media, Iranian missiles and drones penetrated air defense systems and hit one of the passenger terminals (number 3). There was a massive explosion that caused a violent fire. The authorities confirmed that at least four airport personnel were injured in the incident. These people received immediate medical assistance – their condition is described as stable, but the situation on the site is still very dynamic.
The entire DXB airport and neighbouring Al Maktoum International (DWC) were immediately closed. All flights – both arrivals and departures – were suspended until further notice. Thousands of passengers are stuck in terminals, on parking plates and in nearby hotels. The surveillance and telephone recordings show dense smoke filling the halls, burning elements of the structure and chaotic evacuation.
Dubai also burns in other places. A strong fire broke out at the luxury Fairmont Hotel on Palm Jumeirah – a famous artificial island. The huge piles of black smoke can be seen from many kilometers away. Earlier, after a series of missile alarms, Burj Khalifa and the entire Dubai Marina district were evacuated.
The United Arab Emirates strongly condemned the attack as "a cowardly act of aggression against civilian targets". The UAE Ministry of Defense declared that most of the missiles were intercepted, but those that breached the defense caused real damage and casualties. "We reserve the full right to reply," stressed the Communication.
This is the most serious direct attack on Dubai in the history of modern Emirates. The city, which was still a symbol of luxury and security yesterday, today has become the frontline of a new, widespread war in the Middle East. The situation remains extremely tense – anti-aircraft systems are still heard in the air, and residents and tourists are recommended to stay in shelters.
According to passenger accounts and unofficial reports, on the plate of the closed Dubai International Airport (DXB) is stuck Polish charter aircraft of the Enter Air line. The Boeing 737 with a group of Polish tourists was to make a return cruise to Poland, but after the rocket attack on the terminal and the complete stop of air traffic the machine cannot take off. Several hundred compatriots have already spent hours in the terminal or on board, without information when it will be possible to return to the country.
Last-minute update:
The Iranian suicide drone attacked Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. 1 person killed, 7 wounded
