4 hurt as missile debris sparks fire at Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah

Four people were injured and a building ignited in Dubai’s landmark Palm Jumeirah area on Saturday night after debris from intercepted missiles rained down over the city, officials confirmed.

The incident occurred as Iran launched a series of retaliatory missile attacks across the Gulf in response to recent US and Israeli strikes on Iranian territory, prompting air?defence systems in several countries to activate.

According to the Dubai Media Office, emergency crews responded immediately after reports of explosions and a fire in a building on the artificial island of Palm Jumeirah.

“Dubai Civil Defence has confirmed that the resulting fire is now under control. Four individuals sustained injuries and have been transferred to medical facilities,” authorities said.

Although intense smoke was visible in videos shared online, officials clarified that there is no confirmation a missile directly hit the structure.

Instead, UAE defence forces engaged incoming aerial threats over nearby waters, and fragments from intercepted projectiles fell onto the island, sparking the blaze.

Reports on social media showed Palm Jumeirah hit by loud blasts and thick smoke rising into the night, raising alarm in a city not accustomed to such scenes.

Authorities stressed that the safety of residents and visitors remains the highest priority and urged the public to rely on verified information from official sources as investigations continue.—MCG, GMA Integrated News