While the UAE’s advanced defence systems successfully intercepted most of the 137 missiles and 209 drones, debris from these interceptions still caused damage to several prominent landmarks.
Here’s a look at the six UAE landmarks impacted by debris from the strikes:
1. Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Debris from intercepted missiles caused minor damage to a concourse at Dubai International Airport. Four airport staff were injured, though most passengers had already been evacuated thanks to pre-emptive contingency measures.
Iran managed to hit Dubai International Airport. pic.twitter.com/UdcpOzf6sr
— Clash Report (@clashreport) March 1, 2026
2. Zayed International Airport (Abu Dhabi)
A drone strike resulted in one death and seven injuries, when debris struck airport facilities. The incident tragically claimed the life of an Asian national.
BREAKING:
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) February 28, 2026
Iranian suicide drone strikes Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, the UAE.
1 person killed, 7 wounded pic.twitter.com/2PQj1qP5bT
3. Jebel Ali Port (Dubai)
Debris from a missile interception triggered a fire at one of the port’s berths, though fortunately no injuries were reported. Dubai Civil Defense teams responded quickly, extinguishing the fire and securing the area.
NOW: Fire at Jebel Ali Port, Dubai, UAE. pic.twitter.com/a9d7NDZr8k
— Clash Report (@clashreport) February 28, 2026
4. Burj Al Arab (Dubai)
Debris from an intercepted drone caused minor damage to the hotel’s outer facade, resulting in a small fire that was promptly controlled by Civil Defence teams. No injuries were reported.
🇦🇪🇮🇷⚡️ An Iranian drone struck the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, igniting a fiberglass structural beam that extends from the first to the sixth floors.
— ARegion (@ARegion_) February 28, 2026
➡️ The five-star hotel, a 321-meter, 60-story tower built on an artificial island, is one of the UAE’s most recognizable landmarks.… pic.twitter.com/QHNZiRma2t
5. Palm Jumeirah (Dubai)
A building on Palm Jumeirah caught fire when debris landed on it. Four people sustained injuries but were immediately transferred to medical facilities. Authorities confirmed the fire is now under control.
🚨🇮🇷🇦🇪 BREAKING: Palm Jumeirah in Dubai has been struck.
— DD Geopolitics (@DD_Geopolitics) February 28, 2026
Palm Jumeirah is one of the most iconic luxury developments on Earth, and a major investment hub for the Trump family, which operates Trump International Golf Club Dubai and has extensive real estate interests across the… pic.twitter.com/l5uCCjSTRD
6. Fairmont The Palm Hotel (Palm Jumeirah, Dubai)
Debris from the barrage also struck this luxury hotel, causing a fire and minor structural damage. Emergency services responded quickly to contain the situation, preventing further harm to guests or staff.
🚨BREAKING: Massive Fire Engulfs Fairmont The Palm Hotel on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah After Loud Explosion!
— Gauci Reports (@GauciReports) February 28, 2026
Thick smoke billowing from luxury resort tonight following huge boom – eyewitnesses report blasts across the area.
Emergency crews on scene amid Iran-Israel tensions. No… pic.twitter.com/ZItiEAh0PH
UAE defence response
The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that 137 missiles and 209 drones were detected during the attacks. 132 missiles were successfully destroyed, with most of the remaining projectiles falling into the sea or causing only limited debris damage on land.
Authorities praised the “high efficiency” of the defence systems, noting that while debris caused some damage, catastrophic strikes on civilian infrastructure were largely avoided.
The strikes on the UAE come amid heightened tensions in the region following joint US-Israeli operations in Tehran, which Iran views as an aggressive preemptive attack. Iran’s retaliatory campaign is part of a broader confrontation with Israel and the United States over its nuclear program, regional influence, and military activities in the Middle East.
The UAE, as a close ally of both the US and Israel and a strategic hub in the Gulf, became a target in Tehran’s effort to demonstrate its military reach and retaliate against countries supporting actions against Iran.
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