Prominent Gulf cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha were rattled on Saturday after Tehran vowed retaliation for US-Israeli attacks on Iran.
The strikes on UAE, Bahrain and Qatar led to loud explosions as normal life was disrupted, raising fears of wider conflict in the region. UAE, which was hit by 137 missiles and 209 drones from Tehran, reported the death of one person, but gave no details, according to Reuters.
Cities like Dubai, known for their safety, tax-free jobs and luxury lifestyle, saw fires in some areas after the strikes. Videos emerged on social media platforms showing a fire near a hotel on the famous Palm Islands. Thick smoke was visible in the sky as blasts echoed through the day.
Also Read | UAE Faces US-Iran War Heat: Dubai Airport, Jebel Ali Port, Palm Jumeirah Among Locations Hit
Videos from Dubai International Airport showed passengers running through smoke-filled corridors for safety following the strikes. According to CNN, at least four staff members were injured and hours later, another explosion near the airport sent black smoke into the sky.
Dubai No More Safe?
The incident has resulted in a wider social media debate over whether the popular Gulf Arab cities, which have long been a symbol of luxury, are still safe. For years, the presence of oil and gas wealth in the region has funded its secure, comfortable lifestyle. This has attracted millions of expatriates from India and elsewhere to cities like Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Doha.
Following the strikes, social media users were quick to notice how the weekend strikes likely created cracks in Dubai's image as a secure city.
“Dubai's Golden Image just took a hit– THE "SAFE HAVEN" BRAND IS SHATTERED,” a user commented on X.
Other users also echoed similar comments. However, many also defended the place, calling it still far safer than its peers in Europe or the US.
“No place is flawless, but the safety, order, and sense of community here in Dubai/UAE really stand out compared to many parts of Europe right now,” another user said.
Elon Musk also took the view that the UAE continued to be “objectively safer and better run than many areas of Europe.”
Why Was Dubai Targeted?
While Iran and US-Israel remain on the brink of war, Tehran's Revolutionary Guards confirmed that their intention to target UAE, Qatar and other Gulf Arab states was retaliatory. These “safe haven” cities were targeted as they support US military operations in the region.
"All occupied territories and the criminal US bases in the region have been struck by the powerful blows of Iranian missiles. This operation will continue relentlessly until the enemy is decisively defeated," Iran's Revolutionary Guards was quoted as saying by Reuters.
Also Read: UAE Shuts Tehran Embassy, Summons Envoy Amid Iranian Missile Attacks
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