British Influencer Films Dubai Hotel Blaze After Iranian Missile Strike
A British national has revealed he was just metres away from a luxury Dubai hotel when it was reportedly struck by debris from an Iranian missile attack, capturing shocking footage of the aftermath. The incident occurred at the Fairmont The Palm hotel in one of Dubai's most exclusive areas, sending plumes of smoke into the sky and causing a significant blaze near the entrance.
Close Call at Beach Club
British traveller and influencer Will Bailey was attending a pool party at a beach club in the popular tourist hotspot when the fire broke out. In a video shared on social media, Bailey showed a huge plume of dark smoke rising from the five-star hotel, stating emphatically, "That was metres away from us look at this." The footage captured the alarming scene as emergency services rushed to the popular resort area to bring the blaze under control.
Music, children, and visitors can be heard in the background of his video, highlighting the stark contrast between the leisurely beach club atmosphere and the sudden crisis. Bailey later posted additional footage showing an Iranian missile or drone being intercepted over the famous Palm complex just hours before the hotel incident, adding to the tense situation.
Injuries and Broader Attacks
Dubai's Media Office confirmed that four people were injured in the hotel fire, which was caused by falling debris from the Iranian attacks. This comes amid a broader escalation in the region, with one person reportedly killed in Abu Dhabi due to similar falling debris from a strike earlier in the day. The victim in Abu Dhabi was identified as an Asian national, though further details have not been disclosed.
In a statement, the Emirati defence ministry said, "The UAE's air defences responded with high efficiency and successfully intercepted a number of the missiles. The relevant authorities also dealt with debris falling on a residential area in Abu Dhabi, resulting in some material damage and the death of an Asian national."
Aftermath and Evacuation
Following the incident, Bailey revealed he had moved away from the heart of Dubai to a safer location further out, noting in a recent post, "We can hear and see missiles overhead." In another clip, he showed a white cloud of smoke in the clear blue sky above the beach club, exclaiming, "Over the beach club is f**king mental. Look at that literally directly above us. That is insane."
The fire at the Fairmont The Palm hotel has since been brought under control, but the event underscores the ongoing tensions and risks in the area. As authorities continue to assess the damage and provide updates, tourists and residents alike are urged to remain vigilant amid the heightened security concerns.
