Dubai residents share fear as Iran strikes hit UAE amid widening Middle East conflict

The Iranian strikes followed U.S. and Israeli attacks, escalating tensions. (Image credit: AFP)

• Iranian missiles and drones hit UAE, causing damage and injuries
• Dubai airport and landmarks damaged, flights disrupted
• Residents share fear as explosions rock Dubai and Abu Dhabi

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A wave of Iranian drone and missile strikes has struck deep into the Gulf region, including the United Arab Emirates, bringing conflict and fear to cities once seen as safe, and prompting a vivid personal account from an Indian family as events unfolded.

In the early hours of March 1, United Arab Emirates authorities said defensive forces intercepted a large barrage of projectiles launched by Iran, after Tehran promised retaliation for ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel. UAE air defences shot down numerous missiles and drones, but debris caused damage to key infrastructure in Dubai including near the international airport and luxury landmarks like the Burj Al Arab hotel. A small number of residents were injured and flights were disrupted.

Against this tense backdrop, Hong Kong-based Indian entrepreneur Prakash Dadlani posted a screenshot on the social media platform X showing a WhatsApp chat with his family in Dubai. The messages from his mother and relatives revealed their fear and anxiety as they described explosions and uncertainty late into the night. One message shared by Dadlani read that it was “scary now” with no end in sight to the attacks. He wrote that he had never imagined seeing such messages coming from Dubai, a city known for safety and stability.

The Iranian strikes form part of a broader escalation that began after coordinated US and Israeli military action against Iranian targets. In response, Iran launched drones and ballistic missiles at Gulf states where US forces operate, including the UAE, Qatar and others. Regional leaders and international observers have expressed concern that the situation could spread further.

On the ground in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, residents reported loud explosions, flashes of interceptor fire in the night sky, and the surreal atmosphere of a city under aerial attack. Flights have been cancelled and major stock markets in the UAE were closed temporarily to absorb the shock. Some satellite imagery showed smoke rising over parts of the skyline as defensive operations continued.

Officials have urged people to rely on verified information and follow safety directives, and the UAE Ministry of Defence stressed its air defence capabilities had limited harm. But for many civilians and expatriate families, the experience has been unsettling. Screenshots like the one shared by Dadlani reflect how fast conflict can shift from distant headlines to personal fear in everyday lives.