<p>As the United Arab Emirates came under fire from Iranian missiles after US–Israel launched joint strikes on the Islamic Republic, many residents across the Emirates flocked to supermarkets while some grocery delivery apps showed heavy delays. Some users appeared to be ordering in bulk, fearing supply disruptions as the conflict widens across West Asia, Reuters reported.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“This is not normal. Some suppliers have said they won’t restock some items. The water is already running out,” Reuters reported citing a worker at a supermarket in Dubai’s Nshama Town Square, who did not want to be named.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>These developments prompted the UAE’s Ministry of Economy and Tourism to issue a statement affirming the resilience and stability of markets across the Emirates. The ministry asserted that all essential food and non-food items are available in ample quantities across markets and retail outlets nationwide.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The ministry added that it is closely monitoring stock levels held by suppliers and retailers through its advanced electronic price-monitoring system, which continuously collects and analyses data. This is complemented by periodic assessments to ensure sustained availability of essential goods and to prevent shortages, thereby supporting price stability and meeting consumer needs.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“We urge the public to remain reassured and not to be driven by unfounded concerns, excessive purchasing or stockpiling,” Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“The UAE’s markets are well supplied with the full range of goods and products consumers need. Strategic reserves are available at high and secure levels, and contingency and response plans are fully in place to ensure continuity under all circumstances,” he added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>These developments come after the US military’s Al Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi reportedly came under an Iranian missile attack, while several other locations in the Emirates, including Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, were also affected. The world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, was temporarily evacuated as a “precautionary measure” at the height of the missile alerts following joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on multiple sites across Iran on Saturday. The military strikes, named Operation Roaring Lion by Israel and Operation Epic Fury by the United States, reportedly hit over 30 sites across Iran, including government buildings in Tehran and suspected nuclear facilities.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In retaliation, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) initiated Operation True Promise 4, targeting Israel and American bases and US allies across West Asia.</p><p>The US–Israel strikes and Iranian counterstrikes triggered fears of the conflict spiralling into a regional war as several countries in West Asia came under attack. Missile exchanges between the two sides continued, leading to widespread airspace closures and flight disruptions across the region.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i>(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)</i></p>

These developments come after the US military’s Al Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi reportedly came under an Iranian missile attack, while several other locations in the Emirates, including Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, were also affected.

As the United Arab Emirates came under fire from Iranian missiles after US–Israel launched joint strikes on the Islamic Republic, many residents across the Emirates flocked to supermarkets while some grocery delivery apps showed heavy delays. Some users appeared to be ordering in bulk, fearing supply disruptions as the conflict widens across West Asia, Reuters reported. “This is not normal. Some suppliers have said they won’t restock some items. The water is already running out,” Reuters reported citing a worker at a supermarket in Dubai’s Nshama Town Square, who did not want to be named. These developments prompted the UAE’s Ministry of Economy and Tourism to issue a statement affirming the resilience and stability of markets across the Emirates. The ministry asserted that all essential food and non-food items are available in ample quantities across markets and retail outlets nationwide. The ministry added that it is closely monitoring stock levels held by suppliers and retailers through its advanced electronic price-monitoring system, which continuously collects and analyses data. This is complemented by periodic assessments to ensure sustained availability of essential goods and to prevent shortages, thereby supporting price stability and meeting consumer needs. “We urge the public to remain reassured and not to be driven by unfounded concerns, excessive purchasing or stockpiling,” Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri said. “The UAE’s markets are well supplied with the full range of goods and products consumers need. Strategic reserves are available at high and secure levels, and contingency and response plans are fully in place to ensure continuity under all circumstances,” he added. These developments come after the US military’s Al Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi reportedly came under an Iranian missile attack, while several other locations in the Emirates, including Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, were also affected. The world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, was temporarily evacuated as a “precautionary measure” at the height of the missile alerts following joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on multiple sites across Iran on Saturday. The military strikes, named Operation Roaring Lion by Israel and Operation Epic Fury by the United States, reportedly hit over 30 sites across Iran, including government buildings in Tehran and suspected nuclear facilities. In retaliation, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) initiated Operation True Promise 4, targeting Israel and American bases and US allies across West Asia. The US–Israel strikes and Iranian counterstrikes triggered fears of the conflict spiralling into a regional war as several countries in West Asia came under attack. Missile exchanges between the two sides continued, leading to widespread airspace closures and flight disruptions across the region. (Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

<p>These developments come after the US military’s Al Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi reportedly came under an Iranian missile attack, while several other locations in the Emirates, including Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, were also affected.</p>

Panic buying hits Dubai, Burj Khalifa evacuated as UAE assures ample supplies amid Iran–US tensions

<p>Iran’s massive counter-attack targeting US military bases in the Middle East countries included strikes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Explosions were heard in Abu Dhabi and Dubai on Staurday, creating panic among the residents. The Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building in Dubai, was also evacuated as a precautionary measure after explosions.&nbsp;</p><p>The Fairmont The Palm hotel in Dubai was also hit, and several videos on social media showed fire and smoke in the building. The hotel on Dubai’s iconic man-made island, Palm Jumeirah, was reportedly struck by missile debris.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Fairmont Hotel on Dubai’s Palm has been hit by missile intercept debris and is up in flames <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iran</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/dubaI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#dubaI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAE</a> <a href="https://t.co/S1EZaSW0Sa">pic.twitter.com/S1EZaSW0Sa</a></p>&mdash; Natasha Turak (@NatashaTurak) <a href="https://twitter.com/NatashaTurak/status/2027771980620112165?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-officials-believe-irgc-chief-mohammad-pakpour-killed-in-strikes-1772281838407"><strong>Israeli officials believe IRGC chief Mohammad Pakpour killed in strikes</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Dubai airport cancels 700 inbound and outbound flights</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Dubai airport suspended all flight operations until further notice after several explosions were heard near the airport. Dubai International Airport alone reported cancellation of more than 700 inbound and outbound flights.</p><p>The airport’s operator said flights were halted indefinitely at Dubai International and Dubai World Central—Al Maktoum International Airport on the Gulf city’s outskirts.</p><p>The airlines urged passengers to check their flight status online before heading to the airport.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The situation was grim in Dubai, with the government asking people to stay inside and remain vigilant.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthis-to-resume-attacks-on-shipping-routes-and-israel-tonight-say-officials-of-rebel-group-1772274065602"><strong>Houthis to resume attacks on shipping routes and Israel ‘tonight’, say officials of rebel group</strong></a></p><h2>UAE &nbsp;air defence systems intercepted Iranian missiles</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The UAE Ministry of Defence issued a statement saying that its air defence systems dealt with the missiles. “All necessary measures are being taken to firmly confront any attempts to undermine the country’s security and stability,” it said.</p><p>The UAE said it reserved the right to respond to the Iranian attacks, slamming them as a “dangerous escalation”. Several missiles were intercepted, it said.</p><p>“The United Arab Emirates was subjected today to a blatant attack by Iranian ballistic missiles,” the defence ministry said, adding that its air defences successfully intercepted a number of missiles.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The UAE successfully intercepted new wave of Iranian Missiles<br><br>The Ministry of Defence announced that UAE air defense systems intercepted and destroyed a new wave of Iranian missiles launched towards the country, noting that the operation was carried out with high efficiency and… <a href="https://t.co/W9LvTtjR1e">pic.twitter.com/W9LvTtjR1e</a></p>&mdash; وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) <a href="https://twitter.com/modgovae/status/2027726319900102865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>One civilian died in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, after being struck by falling debris, according to the Ministry of Defence.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The explosions came in the wake of Iran's purported attacks on the US military bases in the Gulf in retaliation for US and Israeli strikes on Iran.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-israel-planned-strikes-on-iran-for-months-despite-ongoing-talks-what-we-know-1772277999902"><strong>US, Israel planned strikes on Iran for months despite ongoing talks? What we know</strong></a></p><h2>One killed in Abu Dhabi</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In neighbouring Abu Dhabi, Iranian strikes killed at least one person, drawing sharp reaction from the UAE. The civilian died after being struck by falling debris, said the Ministry of Defence. The gulf nation has warned Iran and said it would take all necessary steps to maintain its security.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The US and Israel launched a major attack on Iran on Saturday, with President Donald Trump urging the Iranian public to “seize control of your destiny.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

The UAE Ministry of Defence issued a statement saying that its air defence systems dealt with the missiles. It said that all necessary measures are being taken to firmly confront any attempts to undermine the country’s security and stability. It slammed the attacks as a dangerous escalation.

Iran’s massive counter-attack targeting US military bases in the Middle East countries included strikes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Explosions were heard in Abu Dhabi and Dubai on Staurday, creating panic among the residents. The Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building in Dubai, was also evacuated as a precautionary measure after explosions. The Fairmont The Palm hotel in Dubai was also hit, and several videos on social media showed fire and smoke in the building. The hotel on Dubai’s iconic man-made island, Palm Jumeirah, was reportedly struck by missile debris.

<p>The UAE Ministry of Defence issued a statement saying that its air defence systems dealt with the missiles. It said that all necessary measures are being taken to firmly confront any attempts to undermine the country’s security and stability. It slammed the attacks as a dangerous escalation.</p>

Burj Khalifa evacuated, The Palm hit and Dubai airport ops shut as UAE intercepts Iranian missiles

<p>On Thursday (Dec 18), Dubai's Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum shared a video of lightning striking Burj Khalifa. The dramatic visuals garnered a lot of eyeballs online, which captured moments when the top of the tallest building was being struck by a bolt amid a heavy rainstorm.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p><p>Sheikh Hamdan became the Crown Prince of Dubai in 2008. He is the Deputy Prime Minister and handles the portfolio of the Minister of Defence of the UAE. He is the second son of Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Crown Prince is an adventure sport enthusiast and is quite active on his social media; his followers enjoy his online posts. The comment section of his posts are usually filled with love and appreciation. It won't be wrong to say he is often seen winning hearts, and the netizens love interacting with him.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In his posts, he is seen exhibiting his photography skills and also showing the lighter side of life. Dubai and its beauty is quite on display when you scroll through his social media account. Earlier in March, the prince was trending after he and his wife, Sheikha Sheikha bint Saeed bin Thani Al Maktoum, welcomed their fourth child. He announced the birth of his daughter on social media with a post. Sheikh Hamdan and his family named her ‘Hind’. The name drew a lot of curiosity. It was later revealed that it means abundance, and the child has been named after her grandmother, Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum.</p>

The dramatic visuals garnered a lot of eyeballs online, which captured moments when the top of the tallest building was being struck by a bolt of lightning amid a heavy rainstorm. 

On Thursday (Dec 18), Dubai's Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum shared a video of lightning striking Burj Khalifa. The dramatic visuals garnered a lot of eyeballs online, which captured moments when the top of the tallest building was being struck by a bolt amid a heavy rainstorm.

<p>The dramatic visuals garnered a lot of eyeballs online, which captured moments when the top of the tallest building was being struck by a bolt of lightning amid a heavy rainstorm.&nbsp;</p>

Lightning strikes world tallest Burj Khalifa, Dubai Crown Prince shares dramatic visuals - WATCH

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Panic buying hits Dubai, Burj Khalifa evacuated as UAE assures ample supplies amid Iran–US tensions

Burj Khalifa evacuated, Dubai airport shut as UAE intercepts Iranian missiles

Lightning strikes world tallest Burj Khalifa, watch dramatic visuals