On February 28, the air defense system of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had to operate at full capacity when Iran launched an unprecedented large-scale attack.
According to data from the local authorities, a total of 137 cruise missiles and 209 drones were launched towards the country's territory.
Although the defense forces affirmed that they had successfully intercepted most of the targets, the debris that fell created fireballs right in the busiest center of Dubai.
Palm Jumeirah artificial island - the upper-class resort symbol in the shape of a palm tree - was the first place to record heavy damage.
Witnesses at the scene described the resounding explosions shaking high-rise buildings, followed by a column of black smoke rising from a luxury 5-star hotel.
The Dubai Media Office confirmed that at least 1 building on the island was on fire fiercely, injuring 4 people. Just a few hours later, a second explosion continued to occur near this area due to a drone (unmanned aerial vehicle) crashing straight down from the sky, creating an unprecedented chaotic scene in this "tourist paradise".
At the same time, the Burj Al Arab hotel - a sail-shaped building considered the most luxurious symbol in the world - also became a victim of the conflict. Debris from a intercepted drone fell on the outside of the hotel, causing a fire in the front area.
Although the civil defense force quickly controlled the situation and there were no casualties here, images of flames squeezing the surface of this 7-star building shocked international media. This hit hard on the absolute safety image that the UAE painstakingly built to attract the global super-rich.
Not stopping at civilian targets, Iran's attack also directly targets core economic arteries.
Dubai International Airport, the busiest airport gateway in the world, recorded damage in a waiting hall, injuring 4 staff.
At the same time, Jebel Ali port - which plays an important role in receiving US warships - also experienced a major fire due to debris falling down.
In the capital Abu Dhabi, the situation was even worse when one person died at Zayed International Airport.
These series of attacks are considered a fierce retaliatory action by Tehran after losses in senior leadership, pushing the entire Gulf region into a full-scale security crisis.
