DUBAI, UAE (March 2, 2026) — Thick plumes of black smoke were seen rising over Dubai’s skyline on Sunday as a fresh wave of missile and drone volleys hit multiple Gulf cities amid escalating regional hostilities. The smoke, visible from the iconic Jebel Ali port and areas near the Palm Jumeirah, followed sustained Iranian strikes targeting positions across the United Arab Emirates and neighbouring states after recent U.S. and Israeli military action against Iran.
Witnesses and media footage showed explosions and air defence interceptions over Dubai and Doha, with fire crews battling blazes sparked by debris from intercepted projectiles. UAE authorities confirmed that most incoming missiles and drones were shot down, but falling debris ignited fires and caused structural damage at several locations, including parts of the Jebel Ali port area.
The hostilities have disrupted daily life in the Gulf’s major business hubs, prompting airspace closures and heightened alerts across the region. In Dubai, authorities said that shrapnel from intercepted drones struck residential areas, injuring residents and leading to rapid civil defence responses.
Regional capitals including Doha and Manama also reported blasts and smoke on their horizons as air defence systems worked to repel the barrage. Governments stressed that they were containing the impact, even as tensions continued to fuel fears of broader conflict across the Gulf. News as reported
