DUBAI, UAE February 2026 – Viral footage shared on social media, including a widely viewed post by BRICS News (@BRICSinfo), shows what appears to be an Iranian Shahed-136 kamikaze drone striking close to the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, in Dubai on Saturday.
The dramatic video captures the drone approaching the iconic skyline before detonating, sending plumes of smoke rising near high-rise buildings in the vicinity. The clip, which has garnered hundreds of thousands of views, aligns with multiple geolocated videos and eyewitness accounts circulating online.
Context of the Attack
This incident is part of a broader wave of Iranian retaliatory strikes launched across the Middle East in response to joint US and Israeli attacks on Iranian targets earlier on Saturday. Iran targeted US-linked military facilities and allied sites in the Gulf region, including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia.
According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, air defence systems successfully intercepted a significant number of incoming Iranian ballistic missiles and drones. However, some threats penetrated, causing explosions and fires in populated areas of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
– A Shahed drone struck near the Fairmont Hotel on Palm Jumeirah (close to the Burj Khalifa area), resulting in a large explosion and fire, as confirmed by CNN and eyewitnesses.
– Loud blasts were reported across Dubai, with windows shaking and missiles visible in the night sky.
– Burj Khalifa was evacuated as a precautionary measure; no direct hit on the tower has been reported.
– Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) suspended all operations indefinitely.
– At least one civilian fatality (Asian nationality) and several injuries were reported from falling debris in Abu Dhabi and Dubai areas.
Official Response
UAE authorities condemned the attacks as a “blatant violation” of sovereignty and urged residents to stay indoors, avoid debris, and follow emergency protocols. Emergency services were deployed to manage fires and secure affected zones.
The escalation marks a dangerous spillover of the Iran-US-Israel conflict into the economically vital Gulf region, home to major global hubs like Dubai. Regional analysts warn of further volatility as the situation develops rapidly.
Life News Agency is monitoring updates from official sources, including the UAE Ministry of Defence and international outlets. No injuries were reported directly from the Burj Khalifa vicinity in the viral footage, but authorities continue to assess damage.
Stay tuned for live updates.
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