Smoke, Fire Seen Near Hotel on Dubai’s Palm as UAE Intercepts Iranian Missiles

DUBAI: Israeli media reported that a plume of smoke and fire was seen outside a hotel on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, with viral videos circulating on social media showing flames near the Fairmont The Palm, a popular hotel frequented by Western visitors.

Earlier, the Ministry of Defense (United Arab Emirates) confirmed that the United Arab Emirates was subjected to what it described as a blatant attack involving Iranian ballistic missiles. The ministry said UAE air defence systems intercepted a number of missiles with “high efficiency,” while authorities managed the fall of debris in a residential area that caused material damage.

Officials confirmed that debris from intercepted missiles resulted in the death of one civilian of Asian nationality. The ministry stated that the security situation in the UAE remains stable and that all concerned entities are monitoring developments around the clock.

The UAE strongly condemned the attack, rejecting any targeting of civilian facilities and national institutions. It termed the incident a dangerous escalation and a violation of national sovereignty and international law, affirming that the UAE reserves the right to respond and take necessary measures to safeguard its territory, citizens, residents, and visitors.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Arabia condemned what it called Iranian aggression and violations of the sovereignty of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan. Riyadh expressed full solidarity with the affected states and warned of grave consequences if violations of international law continue.

On the other side, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi described the US and Israeli strikes on Iran as “unprovoked, illegal and absolutely illegitimate.” According to Reuters, Araghchi defended Iran’s retaliatory strikes on Israeli and US military bases as an act of self-defence, calling them “absolutely legal and legitimate” under international law.

Tensions across the Gulf remain high as regional powers brace for further escalation.(Agencies)