Editor's note: This story has been updated since publication to include official comment from Accor, the parent company of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.
Numerous videos circulating on social media Saturday showed heavy black smoke pouring from Fairmont The Palm, as Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes across the Middle East in response to a joint U.S.-Israeli military operation targeting Tehran.
Video footage shows the moment a projectile struck outside the Fairmont hotel in Dubai's prestigious Palm Jumeirah area, the Independent reports. Additional images showed a large fireball and plumes of thick, dark smoke rising from the waterfront complex. An Iranian Shahed drone caused the large explosion and fire, reported CNN.
The government of Dubai's Media Office confirmed that an "incident occurred in a building in the Palm Jumeirah area" and said four people were injured.
"We are aware that an incident took place in the vicinity of Fairmont The Palm amid the broader regional situation, with debris reported in a nearby car park," Duncan O’Rourke — CEO of Accor's Premium, Midscale & Economy Division for the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific — told Luxury Travel Advisor in a statement following the initial publication of this story. "The safety and wellbeing of our guests, visitors, and team members remain our highest priority. We can confirm that there have been no casualties or injuries among hotel guests or team members."
"Four individuals present in the parking area sustained injuries and were transferred to medical facilities, and our thoughts are with them and their families at this time," O’Rourke continued. "As the situation continues to evolve, we are closely monitoring developments and taking all necessary precautionary measures in coordination with the relevant authorities. We are grateful for their swift response and ongoing support. Hotel teams remain vigilant, with established safety and security protocols fully in place."
The UAE's Ministry of Defense said its air defense systems intercepted several incoming missiles and drones with what it described as "high efficiency," calling the strikes "a blatant violation of national sovereignty and international law." The ministry added that the UAE "reserves its full right to take all necessary measures to protect its territories and citizens."
Iran targeted the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar — all countries that host U.S. military forces. The strikes unfolded hours after U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed a "major combat operation" against Iran, stating the country "could never have a nuclear weapon." Israel's Defense Minister described the coordinated action as a "preventative attack" aimed at removing threats.
By evening, thick plumes of smoke were seen across the Dubai skyline, leaving residents and tourists in a panicked state. Dubai's airports suspended all flight operations at both Dubai International and Dubai World Central until further notice.
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