BREAKING: Explosions Rock Downtown Dubai Amid Iran’s Drone Strikes In US-Israel Conflict

Tension escalated across the Gulf region on Thursday after explosions were heard in downtown Dubai, as Iran intensified its campaign of drone and projectile attacks following the ongoing confrontation involving the United States and Israel.

An AFP correspondent reported hearing multiple blasts in the city, including one particularly loud explosion, and observed small clouds of smoke rising above a residential neighbourhood in the busy commercial district.

Authorities in Dubai later confirmed what they described as a “minor drone incident.”

In a statement posted on X by the Dubai Government Media Office, officials said debris from an intercepted drone struck the façade of a building along the busy Sheikh Zayed Road corridor.

“Dubai authorities are responding to a minor incident caused by debris from a successful interception that fell onto the façade of a building on Sheikh Zayed Road. No injuries were reported,” the statement said.

The Gulf region has borne the brunt of the attacks in recent days, with at least 24 people reported killed, including seven U.S. service members and 11 civilians.

Earlier on Thursday, a container ship sailing in the Persian Gulf was struck by a projectile off the coast of Dubai, triggering a small fire aboard the vessel.

According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centtr, the crew onboard the ship remained safe and managed to contain the blaze.

In neighbouring Bahrain, an Iranian strike ignited a major fire on Muharraq Island, the location of the kingdom’s international airport and a key hub for jet fuel storage and oil-related infrastructure.

Meanwhile in Kuwait, the country’s Defence Ministry reported that an Iranian drone crashed into a residential building, leaving two people wounded.

The United Arab Emirates said its air defence systems were activated twice to intercept incoming threats targeting Dubai. Firefighters also battled a blaze at a tower in Dubai Creek Harbour after another drone strike.

Authorities in Saudi Arabia also reported fresh drone interceptions. Officials said the kingdom’s air defence systems shot down a drone targeting the diplomatic quarter of the capital, Riyadh.

Saudi officials further disclosed that additional drones were destroyed in the country’s eastern region, including at least one believed to be heading toward the strategic Shaybah Oil Field.National News…