Holidaymakers in Dubai were forced to take shelter in their hotels as a wave of Iranian missiles and drones struck the United Arab Emirates, causing panic and uncertainty. The UAE’s Ministry of Defence reported that 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 541 drones had been launched from Iran, with three people killed and 58 injured. Defence forces intercepted many of the projectiles, but explosions were heard across Dubai and Doha for a second day on Sunday.
JS Anand, founder and CEO of Leva Hotels, said guests at his Dubai hotel were caught unawares by the attacks. ‘It caused a lot of panic, uncertainty,’ he said. Guests gathered in the lobby and basement after emergency alerts warned of incoming missiles. Many extended their stays due to flight cancellations and airspace closures. The UAE’s tourism department told hoteliers the government would cover expenses for guests unable to pay.
Mira Thönnessen, a German tourist, said she did not feel safe leaving her hotel. Her flight home on Monday evening seemed unlikely to go ahead. ‘I’m thinking about going to Oman with friends of friends to go to the airport there,’ she said. ‘But I think I will probably end up staying here and hoping that it doesn’t escalate further.’ She added that she had cancelled home-birth appointments back in Germany.
Broadcaster Isabel Oakeshott, speaking from Dubai Marina, described an ‘extremely quiet’ morning with ‘periodic quite regular sounds of munitions’. She noted a ‘very unnerving moment’ when emergency alerts urged people to take cover. Two people were injured in Dubai after shrapnel from drones fell on the city.
