Fire clip falsely claims Iran attack on Dubai, actually 2020 Ajman blaze
Thai PBS Verify traced the source of the false claim to X
An X user shared footage of a large fire with the caption, “Iran just attacked the energy infrastructure in Dubai today.”
A viral video shared on X claiming that Iran attacked energy infrastructure in Dubai is misleading. Verification shows the footage is actually from a major fire at the Ajman Popular Market in the United Arab Emirates in 2020, not a recent attack linked to regional tensions.
Thai PBS Verify examined the fire video circulated on X on Nov 3, 2026, alongside a claim that Iran had struck energy infrastructure in Dubai.
The post carrying the claim received more than 1.65 million views, around 2,100 reactions and over 407 reposts after being published on Nov 3, 2026.
Did the footage really show Iran attacking Dubai?
Thai PBS Verify conducted a reverse image search using Google Lens and found that the footage matched a report titled “No deaths or injuries in the Ajman Popular Market fire” published by UAE newspaper Al Bayan on Aug 6, 2020.
According to the report, a major fire broke out at the Popular Market in Ajman, one of the seven emirates of the UAE. Authorities received an emergency call at around 6.30pm and dispatched 25 firefighting, police and ambulance vehicles to the scene within three minutes. The blaze caused extensive damage to the market, with parts of the structure collapsing.
However, no deaths or injuries were reported because the market had been closed for about four months during the Covid-19 pandemic. Investigators said the cause of the fire remained under investigation, with preliminary assessments suggesting it may have been linked to a discarded cigarette or flammable materials used during maintenance work.
Comparison between the image used in the viral post (left) and images published by Al Bayan (right).
A further location check using Google Maps found that the scene shown in the viral footage matched AJMAN PUBLIC MARKET in the UAE.
Comparison between the image in the viral post (left) and imagery of AJMAN PUBLIC MARKET on Google Maps (right).
Map of the market
What is the situation between Iran and the UAE?
Reuters reported on Nov 2, 2026, that renewed threats by US President Donald Trump to launch another strike on Iran had heightened concerns among Gulf Arab states, which fear being drawn into a conflict not of their making.
US military bases across the Gulf region, established to protect regional allies, could become targets for Iranian retaliation. In previous confrontations, Iran launched missile attacks against US bases and regional energy infrastructure, highlighting vulnerabilities in the security framework that has long underpinned stability in the Gulf.
Iran has also reportedly identified potential targets should it come under renewed attack from the United States or Israel. The prospect of another conflict has prompted Gulf states to push for diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
What are the facts?
The footage circulated with claims that Iran attacked energy infrastructure in Dubai on Nov 3, 2026, is actually video of a fire at the Popular Market in Ajman on Aug 6, 2020.
The incident occurred while the market was closed during the Covid-19 pandemic, and no casualties were reported.
Verification through Google Lens matched the footage to reporting by Al Bayan, while a location check using Google Maps confirmed that the scene was AJMAN PUBLIC MARKET. This confirms that the footage is from an old fire in Ajman and not evidence of an Iranian attack on Dubai.
Although tensions involving Iran, the United States and Gulf states remain a closely watched issue, the footage cannot be used as proof that Dubai came under attack on Nov 3, 2026.
Verification Process
- Google Lens search: Investigators conducted a reverse image search and matched the footage to an Al Bayan report published on Aug 6, 2020, covering the Ajman Popular Market fire.
- Google Maps verification: A location comparison confirmed that the site shown in the footage matched AJMAN PUBLIC MARKET in the UAE.
Impact of the misinformation
- Public alarm: The false claim may cause people to believe that vital energy infrastructure in Dubai has been attacked, creating unnecessary concern.
- Distortion of international events: The post misrepresents tensions involving Iran, the United States and countries in the Gulf region.
- Misuse of old imagery: Viewers may wrongly assume that footage from a past event depicts a new incident and use it as inaccurate evidence.
- Wider spread of false information: Unverified sharing on social media can amplify misleading narratives to a large audience.
What to do with this misinformation?
- Check the source: Verify whether the footage comes from a credible news organisation or official agency, and whether the date and location are clearly identified.
- Conduct a reverse image search: Tools such as Google Lens can help determine whether an image or video has appeared in previous news reports.
- Compare multiple sources: Consult reputable media outlets and official statements to confirm whether the claimed event actually occurred.
- Avoid sharing unverified content: If the facts cannot be independently confirmed, refrain from forwarding the information.
- Correct misleading claims: If old footage is being used to support false narratives, provide verified information and reliable sources to help prevent wider misunderstanding.
Popular Content
