Iran has been launching a series of retaliatory strikes against Gulf countries in recent weeks.

20:37, Fri, Mar 20, 2026 Updated: 00:49, Sat, Mar 21, 2026

Sunset view of the Dubai Marina

(file image) Explosions were reportedly heard in Dubai (Image: Getty)

Explosions were heard in Dubai on Friday evening, as tensions in the Middle East remain high in the midst of Operation Epic Fury. Blasts were heard in various areas of the city, including Business Bay and Jumeirah Village Circle, social media users reported.

One X user wrote, referring to the Muslim holiday Eid al-Fitr: "Dubai started Eid with explosions. Ending with explosion. This is [the] new way to wish Eid Mubarak from Iran". The social media user included what appeared to be a screenshot from their phone showing a public safety alert, reading: "Due to the current situation, potential missile threats, immediately seek a safe place in the closest secure building, steer away from windows, doors and open areas. Await further instructions."

Dubai confirmed air defences had to be activated, with the Dubai Media Office writing on X: "Authorities in Dubai confirm that the sounds heard across parts of the city were the result of successful air defence interception operations. Please rely on official sources for updates."

The UAE's National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority also confirmed a threat. In a social media post, the agency wrote: "Air defense systems are currently responding to a missile threat. Please remain in a safe location and follow official channels for warnings and updates."

There was no immediate confirmation whether the threat had come from Iran.

Dubai has been one of the cities in the Middle East to have been targeted by Iranian drone and missile attacks in recent weeks.

Iran launched a number of retaliatory attacks against targets in Gulf countries in recent weeks, in response to the US and Israeli Operation Epic Fury.

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Some of the attacks have targeted US military bases, while others were seemingly aimed at oil facilities, as the world faces an energy crisis. But civilian infrastructure have also been hit.

On March 16, the UAE's biggest port and oil storage facility, Fujairah, and Dubai's international airport came under drone attacks.