Bbc News: Visitor in Dubai describes sheltering in hotel basement after regional strikes
Katy McKinney, a visitor from Antrim, said she was moved to a hotel basement early on Sunday and is unsure when she can return home after the fighting in the Middle East reached Dubai; she told news she felt the situation was surreal. Israel and the US launched an attack on Iran on Saturday and Iran responded by firing ballistic missiles and drones at US assets and allies across the region.
News: Visitor describes evacuation to basement
McKinney, who was in Dubai with her husband on a business trip, said her hotel was evacuated early on Sunday and she and other guests were moved to a lower-ground shelter after an emergency message. She said the warning came "at quarter past two in the middle of the night, " and that they "basically just threw clothes on, grabbed our phones and just headed to the nearest stairs. " Guests were able to exit the basement and return to their rooms after a few hours, she added.
Nearby Fairmont The Palm struck; smoke seen
McKinney said her hotel is near the Fairmont The Palm, which was struck by a large explosion; she and other guests "could actually see the smoke coming from that hotel, " a sight that heightened their worry. She said what frightens her and her husband is what she thinks happened at the Fairmont — the aftermath of a drone or a missile being intercepted — and that the sound of "banging" could still be heard in the distance.
Homes hit as drones fall into residential areas
Residents described strikes reaching homes in Dubai on day two of the conflict. One UK citizen filmed broken glass and shrapnel after a drone burst through his living room window and said, "No joking guys, we have just been hit by a drone. It stinks of oil in here. " Intercepted drones have been seen falling into residential areas and people reported shouting in fear and disbelief.
UAE defences, casualties and the wider strike pattern
The UAE has intercepted hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones in the last 36 hours, but both airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi were struck overnight. Authorities confirmed three people have been killed and dozens more were injured. Iran’s counterstrikes targeted Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, and also struck at US military installations around the Gulf and at the Saudi capital, the context makes clear.
Travel disruption and official advice
The Foreign Office has warned British citizens against all but essential travel to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE and has advised people already in the region to shelter. Flights have been diverted or cancelled, with journeys to and from Tel Aviv, Dubai, Doha and other international hubs affected. Dubai International Airport was damaged in an "incident" that injured four staff, authorities said.
