Brits are being ushered from their luxury 5* hotel rooms into underground car parks in Dubai after the city faced a relentless attack by Iran which killed three innocent people.
Iranian suicide drones were sent by Tehran in retaliation for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death during a targeted US-Israeli airstrike.
Iran is striking US allies across the Middle East including Dubai, Kuwait, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi with ballistic missiles and kamikaze drones.
Tourists in Dubai have circulated several videos of drones hitting famous landmarks including the Burj Al Arab hotel and the Palm Jumeirah hotel.
Many luxury hotels have since escorted guests from their panoramic views and marbled rooms into underground car parks and service corridors for their safety.
Numerous videos posted on social media show a scattering of travellers across the floors of several car parks, lying on mattresses or just a thin blanket.
One British woman posted a video to social media showing her sat on a mattress on the floor of an underground carpark while surrounded by other guests.
While sat in a parking bay in her pajamas, she wrote on TikTok: ‘Not quite the 5* we booked however we’re greatful [sic] to be safe!
British tourists are being ushered from their luxury 5* hotel rooms into underground car parks in Dubai after the city faced a relentless attack by Iran which killed three civilians
‘Before the nasty comments, we have been evacuated to the basement for our safety!’
In another social media post, two British women pointed at their mattress on a carpark floor with the commentary saying: ‘This guys is our version of a five star hotel. Five star safety.
‘The world is ending. It’s WWIII and lets film a TikTok.’
They captioned the post to the account’s 25,000 followers: ‘POV you’re in Dubai on march 1st having to sleep in the bunker.’
Hundreds of thousands of travellers have been left stranded following the cancellation of flights over the United Arab Emirates after the government announced a ‘temporary and partial closure’ of its airspace.
The result of which can be seen in another social media post where numerous people – who are still dressed in summer holiday attires – are filmed scattered across a car park, lying on mattresses.
The video captures people overflowing into stairwells and collecting green seemingly thin blankets, which some travellers are seen using to lie on.
Three civilians have been killed in Dubai as Iran’s missile and suicide drone bombardment of the Middle East continues following the death of its Supreme Leader.
Numerous videos posted on social media show a scattering of holidaymakers across the floors of several car parks, lying on mattresses or just a thin blanket
The remnants of the Iranian regime are launching widespread airstrikes targeting US allies, military bases and areas popular with Western expats – and three American troops have been confirmed dead.
The Iranian regime vowed to unleash its ‘most intense offensive operation in history’, with ‘force’ its enemies ‘have never experienced before’.
At least two drones have hit Dubai’s airport, the world-famous Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah hotels were hit, and further explosions echoed across the Emirates yesterday.
Two further rounds of blasts echoed around Dubai yesterday morning, with the most recent reported just before 12pm GMT.
Key airports including Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi and Doha were shut or severely restricted after they were hit by Iranian air attacks.
More than 3,400 flights were cancelled across the seven main airports in the Middle East yesterday.
Chaos has subsequently broken out at Dubai International Airport, which has reportedly been struck by a second blast today, just hours following strikes that left one person dead and seven people injured.
The UK Government now advises against all but essential travel to Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and warning against all travel to Iran.
Many luxury hotels have escorted guests from their panoramic views and marbled rooms into underground car parks and service corridors for their safety
Nearly half of the flights scheduled to depart from London Heathrow to destinations in the Middle East were cancelled yesterday.
This comes amid the government’s plans to evacuate at least 94,000 Brits currently stuck in the Middle East.
In an unprecedented operation, the UK aims to support at least 200,000 British nationals estimated to be in the Gulf.
British expats are now being urged to register their presence in the region with the Foreign Office online, with a record 94,000 signing on already, many of whom are in the UAE.
Nine civilians were killed by Iranian strikes in Beit Shemesh, near Jerusalem, Israeli authorities said, while three American service members had been killed and five others severely wounded on Sunday, US military’s Central Command said.
However, the US rejects claims that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln had been hit by ballistic missiles.
No British nationals have been killed or injured so far in the conflict, it is understood.
In a statement published on X on Sunday morning, UAE airline Emirates said: ‘Due to multiple regional airspace closures, Emirates has temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai, up until 3pm UAE time on Monday March 2.’
Hundreds of thousands of travellers have been left stranded following the cancellation of flights over the United Arab Emirates after the government announced a ‘temporary and partial closure’ of its airspace
The airline advised passengers travelling before or on March 5 to rebook or request a refund, adding: ‘We are actively monitoring the situation and engaging with relevant authorities.
‘We apologise to customers affected by disruptions for any inconvenience caused. The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority.’
Etihad Airways said disruption was unavoidable while airspace closures continue, warning: ‘Regional airspace closures continue to impact Etihad’s operations, and all flights to and from Abu Dhabi are suspended until 2am UAE time on Monday March 2.’
Passengers were urged to check flight status before travelling to the airport, while those booked up to March 3 can request a full refund.
The airline added: ‘We are currently experiencing a high volume of calls and appreciate your patience as it may take longer than usual for calls to be answered.
‘The situation remains dynamic and schedules may change at short notice. Etihad continues to work in close co-ordination with the relevant authorities and will resume normal operations as soon as conditions permit.’
Qatar Airways said flights remain suspended following the closure of Qatari airspace, posting: ‘Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace. A further update will be provided by 9am Doha time (6am UTC).’
The airline later warned passengers about online scams, saying: ‘We are aware of fraudulent accounts impersonating Qatar Airways and requesting personal information.
‘Qatar Airways will never ask for passwords, OTPs, banking details, or other sensitive information via social media or direct messages.’
The UK Foreign Office has urged British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Palestine, Qatar and the UAE to register their presence to receive updates.
In a statement, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: ‘British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Palestine, Qatar and United Arab Emirates can register their presence to receive direct updates from the FCDO on the situation in the Middle East.
‘You should continue to follow travel advice and the advice of the local authorities.’
