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Images and video circulating widely on social media showed thick plumes of smoke rising from Fairmont The Palm, the 5-star hotel located on the famed Palm Jumeirah island, shortly after loud explosions were heard across the city. The blaze reportedly spread rapidly, prompting a large emergency response from Dubai Civil Defence and firefighting units. Authorities later said the fire was brought under control.
The incident occurred on the evening of February 28, 2026, as Iran reportedly launched a barrage of missiles and drones in retaliation for earlier US and Israeli strikes against Iranian territory. Some of the incoming projectiles were intercepted by Gulf air defense systems, but debris and fragmented parts fell across parts of Dubai — including in the Palm Jumeirah area near the Fairmont hotel — triggering secondary explosions and fires.
Dubai authorities said four people were injured in the blaze and were taken to medical facilities for treatment. They stressed that the situation was being assessed and urged the public to rely on official information as it becomes available. It remains unclear whether the fire was caused by a direct strike or by debris from an intercepted missile or drone.
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