Dubai’s iconic sail-shaped hotel, the Burj Al Arab, has been struck by what officials suspect was a suicide drone, leaving multiple people injured as tensions across the Middle East intensify.
Thick plumes of black smoke were seen billowing from the luxury landmark on Saturday evening, with footage shared online showing flames at the base of the five-star hotel as emergency crews raced to the scene. Firefighters were pictured battling the blaze amid a heavy emergency service presence. Authorities later confirmed the flames had been brought under control.
The strike came hours after another luxury hotel, Fairmont The Palm, was engulfed in flames in the Palm Jumeirah district. Four people were injured in that incident after what appeared to be an Iranian Shahed drone smashed into the building, although some reports suggested it may have been struck by falling missile debris.
A Dubai government spokesperson said: “An incident occurred in a building in the Palm Jumeirah area.” They added: “Four people were injured and rushed to hospital.” The spokesperson confirmed the flames were now “under control” following the rapid response from emergency services.
Witnesses in the tourist hotspot reported hearing a loud blast before smoke spread across the skyline. Dramatic footage circulating online appeared to show a drone diving towards the Burj Al Arab before impact, though officials have yet to formally confirm the weapon involved.
The United Arab Emirates said it had intercepted a wave of Iranian drones and missiles targeting the country, as Tehran launched retaliatory strikes across the region following joint US-Israeli operations earlier in the day.
British tourist Will Bailey described waking up to scenes he said felt like “what seems like World War Three.” “Apparently, missiles have just landed in Abu Dhabi, which is about an hour drive from Dubai,” he said in a TikTok video.
In Israel, sirens wailed as missiles were intercepted over major cities. The Israel Defense Forces said it had identified a barrage of Iranian missiles aimed at the country following strikes near the office of Iran’s Supreme Leader.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Iran as an “existential threat” and said: “My brothers and sisters, citizens of Israel, a short time ago, Israel and the United States embarked on an operation to remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran. “I thank our great friend, President Donald Trump, for his historic leadership.”
US President Donald Trump earlier condemned Iran’s leadership, vowing to “raze” the country’s missile industry “to the ground.” In an address posted online, he urged Iranian officials to “lay down your arms” or “face certain death,” calling the strikes “a noble mission.”
Thick plumes of black smoke were seen billowing from the luxury landmark on Saturday evening, with footage shared online showing flames at the base of the five-star hotel as emergency crews raced to the scene. Firefighters were pictured battling the blaze amid a heavy emergency service presence. Authorities later confirmed the flames had been brought under control.
The strike came hours after another luxury hotel, Fairmont The Palm, was engulfed in flames in the Palm Jumeirah district. Four people were injured in that incident after what appeared to be an Iranian Shahed drone smashed into the building, although some reports suggested it may have been struck by falling missile debris.
A Dubai government spokesperson said: “An incident occurred in a building in the Palm Jumeirah area.” They added: “Four people were injured and rushed to hospital.” The spokesperson confirmed the flames were now “under control” following the rapid response from emergency services.
Witnesses in the tourist hotspot reported hearing a loud blast before smoke spread across the skyline. Dramatic footage circulating online appeared to show a drone diving towards the Burj Al Arab before impact, though officials have yet to formally confirm the weapon involved.
The United Arab Emirates said it had intercepted a wave of Iranian drones and missiles targeting the country, as Tehran launched retaliatory strikes across the region following joint US-Israeli operations earlier in the day.
British tourist Will Bailey described waking up to scenes he said felt like “what seems like World War Three.” “Apparently, missiles have just landed in Abu Dhabi, which is about an hour drive from Dubai,” he said in a TikTok video.
In Israel, sirens wailed as missiles were intercepted over major cities. The Israel Defense Forces said it had identified a barrage of Iranian missiles aimed at the country following strikes near the office of Iran’s Supreme Leader.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Iran as an “existential threat” and said: “My brothers and sisters, citizens of Israel, a short time ago, Israel and the United States embarked on an operation to remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran. “I thank our great friend, President Donald Trump, for his historic leadership.”
US President Donald Trump earlier condemned Iran’s leadership, vowing to “raze” the country’s missile industry “to the ground.” In an address posted online, he urged Iranian officials to “lay down your arms” or “face certain death,” calling the strikes “a noble mission.”
