Burj Khalifa Evacuated After Explosions Heard During Iran’s Gulf Retaliation
Burj Khalifa evacuated after explosions in Dubai during Iran’s retaliatory missile strikes across the Gulf.
The Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, was evacuated on Saturday after explosions were heard across Dubai amid Iranian missile strikes targeting US-linked locations in the Gulf. The attacks marked a dramatic escalation following joint American and Israeli military operations against Tehran earlier in the day.
Residents across Dubai reported loud blasts and visible missile trails streaking across the night sky. “It was a big explosion, and it made the windows shake,” one eyewitness told AFP. A first wave of explosions was reported earlier, followed by additional blasts later in the evening, heightening fears in the city that hosts significant international business and expatriate communities.
Iran’s retaliatory strikes reportedly targeted locations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, as well as Doha in Qatar and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia — all cities that host US military personnel or facilities. The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that a civilian of Asian nationality was killed after missile debris fell in a residential area of Abu Dhabi, calling the attack a “dangerous escalation” that threatens civilian safety and regional stability.
Also Read: Global Airlines Suspend Middle East Flights Following US-Israel Strikes on Iran
The strikes followed what the Pentagon described as “major combat operations” against Iran under Operation Epic Fury. Israeli officials claimed that Mohammad Pakpour, commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was killed during the strikes. In response, Iran launched what the Israeli military termed a “barrage of missiles” toward Israel, widening the scope of the confrontation.
The conflict rippled across the Gulf region. Emergency sirens sounded in Bahrain amid reports of a missile threat near the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet. Qatar said it successfully intercepted incoming missiles and reported no casualties or material damage in residential areas following initial assessments.
The unfolding crisis has raised concerns about a broader regional war in one of the world’s most strategically vital and economically sensitive corridors, with major energy infrastructure and global trade routes potentially at risk.
Also Read: #BreakingNews: Iran’s IRGC Commander Mohammad Pakpour Reportedly Killed in Israel-US Strikes
