On February 28, Iran fired missiles targeting different cities located in the Arab Gulf region. According to a report by Reuters, which originated from Dubai, explosions were heard because of these attacks. These explosions were strong enough to make windows and buildings rattle. Such direct attacks by means of missiles are rarely seen in a region that believes it is relatively safe and secure.
In response to these missile launches by Iran, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, which are home to United States military installations and personnel, confirmed that their defense systems were able to intercept Iranian missiles before they could do considerable damage. Iran had previously vowed to retaliate against airstrikes that were carried out by Israel and the United States on its territory. Jordan also confirmed that it intercepted missiles during the incident.
According to reports from state media in the United Arab Emirates, there was an incident that resulted in the death of one individual in Abu Dhabi, although no other details were given regarding the individual or how he died.
In Dubai, there was a fire reported that occurred near a hotel located in the exclusive Palm Jumeirah area, which is famous for its high-end hotels and homes. Thick plumes of smoke were seen from far away, and explosions were heard throughout the day, which heightened tension in Dubai.
In various parts of these urban settlements, streaks of what looked like missiles were seen passing through the air. There were loud explosions heard frequently, which were possibly from air defense systems trying to intercept and destroy incoming missiles before they reached their destinations. As tensions heightened, individuals took shelter in windowless bathrooms and closets in their homes.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a strong statement claiming responsibility for the missile strikes. The group declared that what it called “occupied territories” as well as U.S. military bases in the region had been targeted by powerful Iranian missile attacks. The IRGC further declared that the military operation would continue unabated until, in its words, the enemy had been decisively defeated.
After the attack, the UAE President and the Saudi Crown Prince talked over the phone. Saudi Arabia offered support, and they urged calm and resumption of diplomatic talks.
It was a rare direct conversation between them, with relations strained between the two Gulf states since late last year.
In addition, concerns were raised regarding safety after fragments of intercepted missiles were found. In Bahrain, fragments were found on a road in the Sanad area, which is near an army headquarters. In Qatar, its Interior Ministry advised citizens not to touch any of the missile fragments.
IT WAS A DRAMATIC BREAK FROM NORMAL LIFE
The Gulf region has always had an abundance of lucrative, tax-free employment opportunities in the oil and gas industry, luring in millions of foreign workers to the region’s prominent cities such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Doha. But Saturday’s events created a stark departure from the usual daily life in the region.
The attacks occurred during the holy month of Ramadan, when life in the Gulf region is generally quiet and subdued because of the fasting that occurs during the day.
Bahrain confirmed that an attack occurred within its territory when it stated that a service facility associated with the U.S. Fifth Fleet was targeted. A Reuters witness reported that grey smoke was seen rising from an area near the coastline of that island nation.
In Abu Dhabi, loud explosions were heard, reported by five witnesses, including two Reuters journalists. Smoke was seen rising from an area opposite the city located off the coastline. Some people received messages on their phones regarding emergency alerts, which asked them to take shelter in the nearest safe building and avoid windows because of missile threats.
A witness reported that she heard five explosions that occurred consecutively, causing windows of a house located near the Corniche area of Abu Dhabi to shake. People in other areas, including Al Dhafra and Al Bateen, reported loud explosions.
Fighter jets were also seen flying over the Yas Island area in Abu Dhabi on Saturday afternoon.
In Dubai, which is the main business and tourism hub in this region, five loud explosions were heard later in the day.
Even as life seemed to go on as usual in some areas, grocery delivery apps reported major delays, and it seemed that some people were stockpiling goods.
An employee of a supermarket in Dubai’s Nshama Town Square said that the situation was quite unusual. Some of their suppliers told them that they would not be able to deliver some goods, while bottled water was already in short supply.
However, the UAE government has already reassured its citizens that food supplies were in no way affected by this situation. They said that imports were functioning normally, and that their strategic reserves were already strong enough to last a long time.
The Abu Dhabi Media Office reported that the situation regarding internal security was quite stable, with major sectors functioning as usual.
