Iranian missiles and drones have hit the United Arab Emirates, shaking Dubai’s image as a safe, tax-free haven for foreigners.

Iranian retaliatory attacks caused damage to Dubai International Airport and the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel, injuring four people. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Passengers rushed to evacuate one of the world’s busiest airports on Sunday after a reported Iranian strike, as Tehran targeted travel hubs in US-friendly Gulf states typically regarded as safe, luxury destinations.

One person was killed in Abu Dhabi. The UAE claimed to have intercepted hundreds of projectiles as residents sought shelter in basements.View on euronews

The United Arab Emirates’ civil aviation authority said it tended to more than 20,000 affected passengers caught up in the disruption.

Iran targeted Arab Gulf states hosting US assets in retaliation following US-Israeli joint military operation that targeted military installations and government institutions in the country. Israel airstrikes also killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

An “incident” caused minor damage at Dubai International Airport and injured four staff, officials said, as Iran’s strikes widened.

Dubai International Airport remains the world's busiest airport for international travel, with 95.2 million passengers in 2025.

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu on Sunday described a “tense and scary” ordeal at the Dubai International Airport, where she and her Indonesian coach were stranded after an explosion occurred close to the area where they were staying amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region.