What Is Really Happening In Dubai Right Now?

Separating facts from fiction and hype. From a man on the ground.

If you’ve been paying any attention to the news recently, then you’ll know that things have been heating up in the Middle East.

The USA and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran starting on February 28th 2026, killed several of their leaders, and Iran have been retaliating with missile and drone strikes against not just Israel, but also Gulf states including The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. Strikes have also reportedly occurred in Iraq, Turkey, Cyprus, and Azerbaijan.

Surprisingly (at least to me), Iran has launched more retaliatory projectiles against the UAE than against any other nation. As a result, it has been a strange week for citizens, residents, and travelers who are in the country.

During times of crisis, there is always a huge amount fear, confusion, and narrative pushing (remember Covid?). Sadly, unlimited information access via traditional and social media doesn’t make it any easier to ascertain the truth. This is especially true when the communication is scattered internationally, emotions are high, and individuals, governments, and corporate media all have their biases and incentives to spin different narratives. Sprinkle in bots and AI and it’s a bad time for anyone seeking the truth.

I live in Dubai and have been here for the past week as these events have unfolded. I am a resident, not a visitor. I have not been paid by the UAE government or any other to write this post, or anything I’ve ever posted.

I clarify that because many people online are convinced that everybody who says good things about Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or the UAE in general is a ‘paid influencer’, ‘shill’, or otherwise compromised. There are also claims that simply talking about the situation truthfully risks severe punishment, including fines and prison time. Some well-intentioned people suggested that I should not even write this article…

So, let me clarify even further. It’s true that spreading false information and rumors during a crisis can get you into legal trouble in the UAE. People can debate if that’s a good law or not, but I can see the logic behind it given the circumstances and stakes. The sheer amount of fake information I’ve personally seen over past week about what is supposedly happening in the city that I am in is jaw-dropping. From fake AI videos, to mislabeled war footage, to straight up lies. It doesn’t surprise me that outsiders are confused about what’s actually going on.

So, my goal here is to simply give my perspective on what is happening here in Dubai, and how it has been on the ground over the past week. Please keep in mind that this is a city of 4 million+ people. Personal experiences and feelings will vary.

As such, I will split this up into the objective facts (from official sources), and personal observations with my own eyes and ears.

The Objective Facts

• The UAE is being attacked by Iran. There have been airstrikes targeting both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the two biggest cities.

• 1,397 missiles and drones launched at the country have been detected, as of 6th March 2026. [source: UAE Ministry of Defense]

• These consist of 1,184 UAVs (drones), 8 cruise missiles, and 205 ballistic missiles.

• 1,308 were intercepted by air defenses.

• 76 impacted on land.

• 13 impacted in the sea.

• 3 fatalities have been reported (Rest in peace to those who lost their lives).

• 112 injuries have been reported (I wish them a swift recovery).

• Main airports have been shut down for most of the past week. Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports have resumed limited flights but there are still delays and disruptions.

• All public and private schools have closed their physical locations and switched to remote learning.

• Occasional public safety alerts are sent out via text to warn of incoming missile attacks and advise people to shelter in place. The frequency of these varies depending on where you are in the city.

The Subjective Sentiment

The hardest part for most outsiders to believe is that despite all the above, the city is mostly ticking along as usual.

Of course, there is a heightened level of concern. People are not oblivious to what is happening. However, malls, stores, gyms, parks, restaurants, leisure centres, and most businesses remain open. Footfall and traffic are down in some areas, but most people are carrying on with their lives.

Naturally, those who have been close enough to interceptions and impacts to hear or see them are generally more worried. The experience has been more visceral for them. Personally, I have not seen or heard any, but I am aware they have occurred. I have friends in different parts of the city (and Abu Dhabi) and we are staying connected.

Dubai is a big city, so not everything is visible or audible from everywhere. That’s why you may hear varying reports of what people are experiencing on the ground. It’s not because most residents are lying or exaggerating, but because it’s been different in different places.

Reports that everybody is fleeing the city, stores are empty, the city is on lockdown, or it looks like a war zone are nonsensical and not based in reality. Thankfully, the physical damage has been very limited thus far considering the number of projectiles that have been launched.

Most people I have spoken to here are calm but cautious. Partly, because it’s not clear how long this will go on. Indeed, there are some residents who have left the city as a precaution, but most have not. Some people (especially those with families) are considering leaving temporarily to wait it out from a distance. Most are not panicking.

Due to international media reporting and the way social media works, there is a strange phenomenon where people outside the city are more fearful than those of us inside the city. Not because we are ignorant to what is happening, but because our eyes and ears are showing us the bigger picture.

Yes, there is an increased threat. It would be foolish to pretend that isn’t the case. At the same time, this isn’t ‘the end of Dubai’ or whatever other silly story some people are spinning. Sadly, there are people who seem to want the situation to be worse than it really is. And there are individuals who harbour such animosity towards Dubai/UAE that they find some schadenfreude in the fact that it’s being attacked. Such people need to take a look at their hearts… but I will leave that between them and God.

So, what am I doing? For the past week, we’ve been doing our best to live as normally as possible, whilst taking some basic precautions. I will keep options open and do what I think is best for my family. I have a wife and baby son to consider, and my priority is to ensure their safety.

I encourage everybody in the region to do the same. I recognise that everybody has different considerations, risk analysis, and options, so my position isn’t that everybody’s response must be identical. Hopefully, this situation won’t escalate further or be prolonged, but nobody has a crystal ball.

So yeah, that’s where we are as of Friday 6th March 2026. I hope it’s been clarifying.

And thanks for the prayers and concern. I don’t worry about myself too much, so I’m glad to have people who do! 😄

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Zuby