Sun seekers head to Dubai beach after Iranian missile strikes

 Sun seekers were seen at a beach in Dubai on Sunday (March 1), after Iranian missile attacks rattled parts of the emirate.

“I didn’t really sleep well,” said one resident after missile debris from Iran’s attacks fell over parts of Dubai, jolting the city’s aura of calm.

For decades, many residents, from Arabs who fled conflict elsewhere to Westerners drawn by low taxes and an easy, orderly lifestyle, have seen Dubai as a safe haven removed from the turbulence of the wider Middle East.

This weekend, that view was shaken after the United States and Israel attacked Iran, and Iran responded by firing hundreds of drones and missiles at Gulf states including the United Arab Emirates, with debris and impacts causing damage at some of Dubai's most iconic sites.

People relax at the Kite Beach, after an Iranian attack, following United States and Israel strikes on Iran, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 1, 2026. REUTERS/Amr Alfiky

But while some people talked openly about concerns - others insisted Dubai and the UAE state remained among the region's most capable at maintaining security and continuity.

Yamen Fadel, a 36-year-old Dubai resident from Syria, said he did not see reason for alarm and credited the government's ability to protect people and communicate with residents.

"Honestly… I am seeing that there's nothing much, just a few minor things," he said. "Nothing scary… because the government here, thank God, is protecting everyone."

Jake, another Dubai resident, described the moment as unfamiliar but said the response appeared orderly. "It's quite alarming as it's new for me, but it seems like everything is under control with the UAE government," he said. "But we can't avoid to not have feelings about it, because it's new."

Israel said it launched another wave of strikes on Iran on Sunday while loud blasts were heard for a second day near Dubai and over Doha.

Dubai International Airport sustained damage during Iran's attacks while airports in Abu Dhabi and Kuwait were also hit.

Thousands of flights have been affected across the Middle East, according to data on flight-tracking platform FlightAware.

Production: Raghed Waked, Amr Alfiky, Abdelhadi Ramahi, Abir Al Ahmar/Reuters