On March 12, 2026—the 13th day of the US–Israel–Iran war—blasts and a minor incident involving drones occurred in the Al Badaa residential area in Dubai. The area is about 4 km (15 minutes’ drive) from Burj Khalifa on Sheikh Zayed Road. The Dubai government media office posted on Reports said a loud explosion was heard in downtown Dubai, with small clouds of smoke visible; Officials said it was caused by a drone falling on the exterior of a building or by debris from an interception. In a separate incident, a drone strike near Dubai Creek Harbor caused a fire in a high-rise building, also without any injuries. Earlier (March 11), two drones had fallen near Dubai International Airport, injuring four workers.
This coincides with Iran’s counter-drone and missile campaign against Gulf states where US bases are located or support operations. This happened after the US-Israel joint strike on February 28, 2026, which killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior officials. Iran has targeted the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman and other countries, and has vowed to hit any country that allows attacks from its soil. UAE air defenses intercepted most threats (e.g., 13 missiles and 39 drones on March 11), but debris or occasional impacts caused damage and casualties.
Damage in the region: Gulf countries have reported ~24 deaths (including 7 US service members and civilians, mostly migrant workers), with 6 killed and 131 injured in the UAE alone since February 28. Iran claims more than 1,300 civilians killed, 9,734 non-military buildings damaged (including 16,291 residential units), and 77 medical centers and 16 Red Crescent facilities attacked. A total of more than 2,000 people have died in different countries. Iran has said it will stop attacks on Gulf countries if the region stops supporting further attacks on Iran.
The UAE’s Defense Ministry has confirmed the active interception of ballistic missiles, drones and hovering weapons, as well as calls from the defence. There was no direct attack on Burj Khalifa; Amid rising regional tensions and rising oil prices, incidents remained minor.
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