Was Burj Khalifa Targeted? Explosion Reported Amid Iran’s Retaliatory Strikes
Video shows smoke near Burj Khalifa as Dubai reports explosions and injuries.
Questions swirled on Sunday after a video surfaced online appearing to show an explosion and rising smoke near the Burj Khalifa, as Iran retaliated against US and Israeli military strikes. The footage, which has not been independently verified, shows black smoke billowing in the distance shortly after reports of an Iranian drone being spotted near the area. It remains unclear whether the world’s tallest building was directly targeted or sustained any damage.
Authorities earlier evacuated the 828-metre skyscraper as explosions were reported in other parts of Dubai. The tower, developed by Emaar Properties, is insured for approximately $1.5 billion for its main structure, while individual residences, hotel interiors and office spaces are covered separately by their respective owners. The landmark, a major tourist attraction with observation decks on multiple floors, typically draws millions of visitors annually.
Elsewhere in the city, an explosion was reported in the iconic Palm Jumeirah district. Visuals showed a building on the man-made island engulfed in flames, with thick smoke rising into the sky. Residents reported hearing loud blasts, and witnesses cited by AFP said ambulances were seen rushing to the scene. The Dubai Media Office confirmed that four individuals were injured and taken for treatment, adding that the fire had been brought under control.
Also Read: Iran Declares 40-Day Mourning, Tehran Crowds Rally in Grief After Khamenei's Death
Additional videos circulating on social media, including footage shared by Nexta TV, purportedly showed a Shahed drone striking an area between two buildings in a densely populated part of the city, triggering a large explosion. Iranian-made Shahed drones are considered among the more lethal unmanned aerial vehicles in Tehran’s arsenal. Officials have not confirmed whether a similar drone was involved in the reported incident near the Burj Khalifa.
The unrest follows a wave of preemptive US and Israeli strikes on Iran, reportedly dubbed “Operation Epic Fury,” targeting sites linked to the country’s leadership. US President Donald Trump defended the action as necessary to protect American interests, warning Tehran to “drop arms or face death.” Iran subsequently closed its airspace and vowed a decisive response, stating its armed forces were prepared to defend the nation. Authorities in Dubai have urged residents and visitors to remain calm and avoid sharing unverified footage as tensions continue to escalate across the region.
Also Read: US Accuses Iran of Trying to Assassinate Trump at Heated UN Security Council Meeting
