Major cities across the Gulf, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE and Doha in Qatar, were rocked by fresh explosions on Tuesday as military tensions escalated between Iran, the United States, and Israel.
Residents and eyewitnesses reported multiple blasts and loud sirens, prompting widespread sheltering as emergency alerts were issued. Thick plumes of black smoke were seen over Doha, while Dubai and Abu Dhabi authorities confirmed that many explosions were caused by interception operations carried out by air defense forces.
Dubai officials said, “The relevant teams continue to closely monitor the situation and are taking all necessary measures to ensure public safety.”
Since the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Saturday, Iran has launched missile and drone attacks targeting several Gulf states. UAE authorities reported that hundreds of Iranian projectiles were intercepted by air-defense systems, but debris still caused damage to buildings and infrastructure. In Abu Dhabi, at least one person has died, with several others wounded.
In Dubai, key civilian and commercial sites were affected, including the Burj Al Arab hotel and Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport, where fires and structural damage were reported. Residential areas were also rattled, sending residents into shelters.
Officials in Doha confirmed explosions in industrial districts, with smoke rising over the city, though the full extent of damage remains unclear.
The strikes are described by officials as Iran’s retaliation following U.S. and Israeli attacks earlier in the week targeting military and economic infrastructure inside Iran. The ongoing escalation has heightened fears of further regional instability across the Gulf.
