Glittering Skyline To Smoke Plumes: Before-After Satellite Images Reveal Impact Of Iran Attacks On Dubai

Last Updated:March 02, 2026, 08:03 IST

The smoke appeared after Iran fired hundreds of drones and missiles toward Gulf states in retaliation for US and Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Satellite images showing thick black smoke rising over parts of Dubai have heightened concerns as Iran’s missile and drone campaign spreads across the Gulf region.

Images captured on February 24 showed Dubai’s ordered highways, glittering skyscrapers and artificial islands under clear skies. But by March 1, fresh satellite pictures, as accessed by news agency Reuters, revealed dark plumes of smoke rising from sections of the city, particularly near coastal and logistics zones close to major transport and port infrastructure

Before-and-after satellite images show a clear skyline followed by concentrated smoke columns, suggesting localized blazes rather than widespread destruction. Residents reported hearing loud explosions and witnessing air-defence systems in operation, as authorities moved quickly to contain fires and secure affected zones.

The smoke appeared after Iran fired hundreds of drones and missiles toward Gulf states in retaliation for United States and Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior officials.

Although most of the projectiles were intercepted by air defence systems, falling debris caused localized damage and fires in Dubai. Areas near the iconic Burj Al Arab and the upscale Palm Jumeirah were among the sites affected.

By Sunday, as the conflict widened across the region, the atmosphere in the city was described as unusually subdued. The UAE Ministry of Human Resources recommended remote work for private-sector employees until Tuesday.

The broader escalation was triggered by a surprise US-Israeli bombardment of Iran. Tehran has since launched retaliatory strikes toward Israel and Gulf Arab states hosting US forces, vowing revenge. Israel has pledged what it called “non-stop" strikes against Iranian leadership and military targets.

The US military confirmed that three American service members were killed and five seriously wounded in the ongoing conflict. In Iran, authorities said more than 200 people had died since the start of the strikes, with further casualties reported in southern parts of the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

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