A barrage of Iranian missiles streaked across the skies over the Persian Gulf, triggering powerful explosions and sending residents scrambling for shelter. The escalation came after the United States and Israel carried out strikes on February 28 against multiple targets across Iran, including the capital Tehran, prompting Tehran to retaliate almost immediately.

Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain—all hosting U.S. military forces—said their air defense systems were activated to intercept the incoming missiles. Streaks of light and loud blasts were seen and heard over several cities, believed to be the result of interceptions.

Falling debris from intercepted missiles raised safety concerns. In Bahrain, debris landed on a road in the Sanad area near a military facility. Qatar’s Interior Ministry warned residents not to touch any unidentified objects.

Bahrain also reported that a base used by the U.S. Fifth Fleet was hit. Witness videos cited by Reuters showed plumes of gray smoke rising near the island nation’s coastline after air-raid sirens sounded.

In Abu Dhabi, five witnesses said they heard multiple loud explosions and saw smoke rising from an offshore location. A resident near the Corniche said five consecutive blasts caused her windows to shake. Explosions were also reported in Al Dhafra and Bateen, while fighter jets were seen over Yas Island.

UAE state media reported that one person was killed in Abu Dhabi, without providing further details. In Dubai, five large explosions were heard late in the afternoon of February 28. On the iconic artificial island Palm Jumeirah, a fire broke out near a hotel, with thick columns of smoke visible from afar.

Although most daily activities continued, delivery services were significantly disrupted. Some app users appeared to place unusually large orders.
“This is highly unusual. Some suppliers say they won’t restock certain items. Water is almost gone,” a supermarket employee at Nshama Town Square in Dubai said.