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On Saturday, February 28, 2026, The Trump administration launched “Operation Epic Fury” and Israel launched “Operation Lion’s Roar” against Iran and immediately reports circulated online claiming that Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa had been evacuated after loud explosions were heard across the emirate and as far away as Abu Dhabi, following Iran’s retaliation for major U.S. and Israeli strikes on its territory — an escalation that has intensified tensions across the Middle East.
The United Arab Emirates said it intercepted several missiles, though one fatality was confirmed in Abu Dhabi, while Qatar and Bahrain also reported missile attacks and successful interceptions. The United Kingdom deployed additional fighter jets to bases in the region for defensive purposes but was not involved in the strikes, urging its citizens to shelter in place as officials warned of the risk of a broader regional conflict.
Dubai’s media office released as statement on social media saying:
“In light of the ongoing regional developments, Dubai continues to conduct its business as usual, with the assurance that the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors remains at the forefront of our priorities. The United Arab Emirates possesses an integrated and effective crisis response system, ensuring high readiness and swift handling of various emerging situations. The competent authorities are closely monitoring developments around the clock, in full coordination with relevant partners, and will promptly inform the public of any updates that require announcement. We reaffirm our steadfast commitment to maintaining security and stability, and ensuring the continuity of normal life and all services with efficiency.”
Residents of the tallest building in the world in the heart of Downtown Dubai, described hearing multiple blasts followed by sirens, prompting swift action from emergency services. There has been no official released from the authorities that they have initiated precautionary evacuations of high-profile buildings, including the world’s tallest skyscraper, amid fears of potential missile threats targeting strategic sites in the United Arab Emirates.
However, the UAE Ministry of Defense said its air defenses “successfully intercepted a new wave of Iranian missiles” with “no damages reported.” While debris fell across parts of Abu Dhabi — including Saadiyat Island and Khalifa City — officials confirmed there were “no injuries.” The ministry added it is on “high alert” to counter threats, condemned the attack as a “flagrant violation of national sovereignty,” and urged the public to rely on official sources and avoid spreading rumors.
The Country’s Ministry Of Foreign Affairs also tweeted: “The UAE condemns in the strongest terms the brazen Iranian missile attacks that targeted the state and the sisterly countries.”
Missile Attacks Across the Gulf
Iranian forces reportedly launched a wave of missile strikes aimed at US-linked military installations across the Gulf, including facilities in Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, and Bahrain. In response, US and Israeli forces conducted coordinated attacks on Iranian military infrastructure and leadership targets under operations reportedly named Epic Fury and Lion’s Roar.
Similar emergency alerts were issued in Doha, Kuwait City, Riyadh, and Manama, where residents reported explosions and aerial activity.
The escalation has severely disrupted civilian life across the region. Several Gulf nations, including the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, announced the indefinite closure of their airspace, grounding commercial flights and stranding thousands of passengers. Israel also suspended flights and declared a nationwide state of emergency.
Hospitals in Israel, including major facilities such as Sheba Medical Centre, moved critical operations underground while continuing patient care, reflecting concerns about potential long-range retaliatory strikes.
Leaders Signal Prolonged Conflict
US President Donald Trump confirmed that American forces were engaged in major combat operations alongside Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that strikes on Iranian military and leadership targets would continue “as long as needed” to neutralize threats.
Iran, meanwhile, warned that all American interests in the region were within range of its missile forces and vowed further retaliation.
English (US) ·