Debris from an intercepted drone hit the Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi, injuring a woman and her child. Retaliatory strikes and counterstrikes following reported U.S. and Israeli action on Iran have spread across the Gulf, striking or damaging airports, ports and commercial zones. Dubai, Doha and Oman reported blasts, fires or damage, raising concerns about disruption to major aviation and trade hubs.
Etihad Towers Facade Damaged by Drone Debris as Retaliatory Strikes Spread Across the Gulf
A missile is intercepted above Al Khalidiyah residential neighborhood after Iranian missile attacks, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, amidst regional tensions, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, February 28, 2026. REUTERS/Amr Alfiky
Debris from an intercepted drone struck the facade of Abu Dhabi's Etihad Towers complex — which houses the Israeli embassy and several other diplomatic missions — injuring a woman and her child, the Abu Dhabi state media office said on Sunday. Authorities said the debris fell after security forces intercepted the drone, producing loud blasts heard across the emirate.
Smoke billows from Jebel Ali port after an Iranian attack, following United States and Israel strikes on Iran, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 1, 2026. REUTERS/Raghed Waked TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
The incidents follow reported strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, after which Tehran said it would target U.S. bases in the region. In the ensuing days, Iran-linked retaliatory attacks widened to affect civilian and commercial sites across multiple Gulf cities, increasing pressure on key regional aviation and trade infrastructure.
Damaged Fairmont The Palm building after an Iranian attack, following United States and Israel strikes on Iran, in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 1, 2026. REUTERS/Raghed Waked
Wider Impact Across Gulf States
By Sunday the strikes and interceptions had reverberated across Gulf Arab states. Loud explosions were reported in Dubai and Doha, and Oman was hit for the first time in this round of attacks. Authorities in multiple cities reported debris-related fires, structural damage and injuries sustained from falling shrapnel.
Smoke billows from Jebel Ali port after an Iranian attack, following United States and Israel strikes on Iran, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 1, 2026REUTERS/Raghed Waked
Ports, Airports and Landmarks Hit
Dubai state media said two people were wounded when shrapnel from intercepted drones fell on two houses. Overnight damage was reported at Dubai International Airport, the Burj Al Arab hotel and the Palm Jumeirah development, and Abu Dhabi International Airport also sustained damage, officials said.
Smoke appears in the sky above Fairmont The Palm, after an Iranian attack, following United States and Israel strikes on Iran, in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 1, 2026. REUTERS/Amr Alfiky
Thick black smoke was seen rising from the Jebel Ali port area after debris from an intercepted missile sparked a fire at one of the berths. In Oman, the Duqm commercial port was struck by two drones, wounding one worker, the state news agency reported. Qatar’s interior ministry said it responded to a limited industrial fire after debris fell from an intercepted missile.
Smoke billows from Jebel Ali port after an Iranian attack, following United States and Israel strikes on Iran, United Arab Emirates, March 1, 2026. REUTERS/Amr Alfiky TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Why it matters: Dubai is the Middle East’s largest tourism and trade hub, and damage to airports, ports and major tourist sites risks broader disruption to regional travel and commerce.
Reporting by Maha El Dahan in Dubai and Andrew Mills in Doha; Editing by Edmund Blair and Aidan Lewis.
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