An explosion and fire at the iconic Fairmont The Palm on Palm Jumeirah shook Dubai on February 28, alarming residents and tourists as tensions escalate between Iran, Israel, and the United States.

Thick black smoke rose from the luxury hotel after what authorities described as an “incident” in the building, The Caspian Post reports via foreign media.

Witnesses reported chaotic scenes as emergency sirens echoed across the artificial island. Two people heard a loud blast, saw heavy smoke, and watched ambulances rush toward the waterfront complex. Viral videos on social media captured flames near the hotel, fueling public concern.

Dubai Civil Defence quickly responded, confirming that the fire is under control. Four people were injured and transported to medical facilities, while authorities reassured residents that nearby structures were safe and no fatalities were reported.

The incident coincided with a broader regional escalation. Earlier, the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defense announced that Iranian ballistic missiles targeted the country. UAE air defenses intercepted several missiles, with officials condemning the strikes as “a blatant violation of national sovereignty and international law” and emphasizing their right to defend the nation.

Residents across Dubai reported seeing missiles streak across the sky, accompanied by loud thuds shaking high-rise windows near the Burj Khalifa. Smoke was also spotted near U.S. military sites in the Gulf region, raising concerns about further escalation.

Travel disruptions followed immediately. Chennai Airport issued warnings for Middle Eastern flights, and at least 12 international flights to Dubai, Bahrain, and Abu Dhabi were cancelled. UAE officials urged people to rely on official updates and avoid spreading unverified information online.