Finance
Waves of blasts heard over Dubai, Doha for second day, witnesses say
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 1, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 1, 2026
Quick Summary
Loud blasts were heard for a second straight day over Dubai and Doha amid Iran’s escalating retaliatory strikes targeting U.S. and Israeli positions — drone and missile debris sparked fires, damaging key Dubai landmarks and a port, while Qatar contained a fire in its industrial zone without casualti
Blasts heard over Dubai and Doha for second day, with Duqm port also targeted
Escalation of Retaliatory Strikes in the Gulf Region
By Maha El Dahan and Andrew Mills
Overview of Recent Attacks
DUBAI, March 1 (Reuters) - Loud blasts were heard in Dubai and Qatari capital Doha for a second day on Sunday and Oman was hit for the first time as retaliatory strikes on neighbouring Gulf states in response to U.S. and Israeli strikes on the Islamic Republic widened.
Iran had said it would target U.S. bases in the region but it has hit a range of other targets across Gulf cities.
Impact on Dubai
Two people were injured in Dubai after shrapnel from drones fell over two houses when they were intercepted, a Dubai media office statement said.
Dubai's international airport, its landmark Burj Al Arab hotel and man-made Palm Jumeirah Island all suffered damage.
Thick black plumes of smoke continued to rise from the Jebel Ali port area, where one of the berths caught fire on Sunday because of debris from an intercepted missile.
Economic and Tourism Significance
Dubai is the biggest tourism and trade hub in the Middle East and its airport is one of the world's busiest travel hubs.
Oman and Duqm Port Targeted
In neighbouring Oman, which was spared retaliation on Saturday, Duqm commercial port was targeted by two drones, wounding one worker, the state news agency said.
Incident in Qatar
Qatar's interior ministry said on Sunday that it was responding to a limited fire in an industrial zone after debris fell from an intercepted missile.
Reporting and Editorial Credits
(Reporting by Maha El Dahan in Dubai and Andrew Mills in DohaEditing by Edmund Blair, Christian Schmollinger and David Goodman)
Key Takeaways
- •Iran intensified its regional retaliation with missile and drone strikes, prompting repeated explosions over Dubai and Doha.
- •In Dubai, debris caused fires at Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Jebel Ali port, and minor damage at the international airport; four were injured.
- •Qatar’s fire in an industrial zone was contained without injuries; both UAE and Qatar authorities emphasized interception success and public safety.
Frequently Asked Questions about Waves of blasts heard over Dubai, Doha for second day, witnesses say
1What caused the blasts in Dubai and Doha?
The blasts were caused by Iran's retaliatory strikes targeting Gulf cities, in response to U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
2Which finance and trade hubs in Dubai were affected?
Dubai International Airport, Burj Al Arab, and Palm Jumeirah Island suffered damage, and a fire broke out at Jebel Ali port.
3Were there any injuries reported from the blasts?
Yes, two people were injured in Dubai after shrapnel from intercepted drones fell on houses.
4How were Qatar's economic zones affected?
Qatar's interior ministry reported a fire in an industrial zone from debris after an intercepted missile.
5What is the significance of these blasts for the region?
These incidents disrupt finance, trade, and travel in major Gulf hubs, impacting global markets and regional stability.
