An Australian traveller stranded in Dubai after the Iranian missile blitz closed the city’s airport has described being just 200 metres from the Fairmont The Palm hotel when it was rocked by an explosion. Scott Graham told 9 News he was at the Palm Tower when he heard an 'almighty boom' that shook the building, covering his restaurant table in dust.
Women and children screamed as the detonation hit, and Scott said the panic was 'crazy'. He saw missiles streaking across the sky and heard anti-missile rockets throughout the night. Emergency alerts from the UAE’s Ministry of the Interior advised people to seek shelter away from doors and windows. Scott praised the UAE government’s handling of the crisis, calling the alert system 'second to none'.
Today, streets are deserted, shops are closed, and the airport remains shut, leaving travellers stranded. Scott said: 'It’s a waiting game now.' More than 3,400 flights have been cancelled across the Middle East, according to Flightradar24. Scott admitted he was scared, saying he had never been in such a position before.
The Iranian strikes were a response to US and Israeli attacks early on Saturday, code-named Operation Epic Fury. Iran’s foreign minister warned that all US and Israeli bases in the region are 'legitimate military objectives' and that Iran would continue its self-defence until the aggression ceases. The UAE’s Media Office confirmed an incident on Palm Jumeirah, with four people injured.
