The reputation of one of the Middle East’s safest travel destinations and a major transit hub for Europe-bound Australians has been tested after recent drone strikes over Dubai, hitting airports, ports and hotels. Here is the latest on the ground.
The UAE was hit with missiles after war broke out in the Middle East over the weekend, following massive coordinated military strikes on Iran by the US and Israel from 28 February 2026.
Iran retaliated with targeted attacks on US bases in the Middle East, including those in the UAE.
The wave of attacks included strikes on Dubai International Airport and other civilian buildings, such as popular luxury hotels, forcing the closure of its airspace and disrupting daily life and impacting traveller confidence in the emirate, which travel experts say could have short-term effects.
Hotels and major ports hit
Reports of injuries and fires in Dubai, including a viral review on X (formerly Twitter), proliferated over the weekend after alleged Iranian drone strikes hit major transport infrastructure and buildings.
The 5-star Fairmont The Palm Hotel in Palm Jumeirah was damaged by debris, setting the hotel on fire and injuring four people with shrapnel, while other Palm Jumeirah hotels and homes were also attacked and affected. Tourists in Dubai watched on as missiles were shot down.
In a statement to guests, Raffles & Fairmont Hotels and Resorts CEO Omer Acar stated the company was aware “that an incident took place in the vicinity of Fairmont The Palm amid the broader regional situation with debris reported in a nearby car park” and that the hotel remained open and operational.
Debris from an intercepted drone also damaged the 7-star Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, causing a minor fire on the building’s outer façade. No injuries have been reported and the hotel appears to be operating as usual.
Debris and attacks have also caused fires and damage to the airport and main commercial port, Jebel Ali Port.
Dubai International Airport received minor damage to a concourse after an apparent missile strike with four staff injured after most passengers had left.
All flight operations at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) airports are suspended until further notice, stranding passengers with flight cancellations and delays after a Gulf-wide shutdown.
As of 9am (AEDT), Dubai Airports advice is still for passengers not to travel to the airport and to contact their airline directly for the latest flight updates as it closely monitors the situation.
UAE response
The UAE has also closed its embassy in Iran and withdrawn its diplomatic mission after strikes hit the country.
“The Foreign Ministry as confirmed that this decision reflects its firm and unwavering position against any aggression that threatens its security and sovereignty,” it said in a statement, calling the attacks an “aggressive and provocative approach” that threatens regional security.
Due to the military action, the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) said there was a temporary loss of mobile network services in the UAE and other regional areas.
DFAT’s Smartraveller website has warned Australians not to travel to the UAE as a whole due to the volatile security situation in the region and to shelter in place during strikes.
For the latest Middle East information, see our rolling updates here.
