The Burj Al Arab, one of Dubai's many structures, sustained damage on 28/2 amid US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, which triggered retaliatory attacks and had a widespread regional impact.
The Dubai Media Office confirmed yesterday afternoon that an Iranian drone was intercepted, with debris falling onto the tower's exterior and causing a fire. Civil Defense forces immediately responded and brought the blaze under control. "No casualties were recorded," Dubai authorities stated.
Fire at the Burj Al Arab hotel. *Video: Independent*
Officials stated that debris from an aerial interception also caused a fire at Jebel Ali port. Another blaze erupted outside the Fairmont The Palm hotel, located in the Palm Jumeirah area, after being "attacked by a flying object".
Dubai International Airport (DXB), one of the world's busiest aviation hubs, also sustained damage due to a "suspected aerial attack", resulting in minor damage to a lounge area and four injured staff members who are currently receiving treatment. All flight operations at DXB and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) have been suspended until further notice.
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The Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai. *Photo: Experienced Travellers*
Videos circulating on social media showed many unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) crashing into high-rise buildings, causing loud explosions. However, Dubai officials clarified that some videos depicting smoke rising from the Burj Khalifa were old footage and did not reflect the current situation. Tourists and residents are advised to be cautious of false and misleading information.
Situated on an artificial island 280 meters off the Jumeirah coast, the Burj Al Arab hotel stands 321 meters tall, its design mimicking a traditional dhow sail. The structure connects to the mainland via a private bridge and once held the title of the world's tallest hotel at the time of its inauguration.
The Burj Al Arab's distinctiveness lies in its structure of 202 duplex apartments, rather than standard single rooms. The building's interior incorporates approximately 1,790 square meters of 24K gold leaf for decoration. Services include a Rolls-Royce fleet for guest transfers, a private butler for each room, and the Al Mahara restaurant, which features an aquarium surrounding the entire dining space.
A helipad crowns the building, a venue that has hosted exhibition sports events featuring world-class tennis and golf athletes. Combining offshore construction techniques with premium service standards, the Burj Al Arab currently stands as one of Dubai's primary brand identifiers.
Anh Minh (*According to Hindutimes, Independent*)
