Thai PBS Verify found the video in question on: Facebook
A Facebook user, Muhammeed M Abdulhameed, shared a video clip of a city fire, with the caption: “Iran Keep Punishing Dubai for allowing US military base in the country.”
Thai PBS Verify found that a Facebook account, Muhammeed M Abdulhameed, had shared a video of a city fire with the caption: “Iran Keep punishing Dubai for allowing US military base in the country.”
The incident in Dubai never really happened
Thai PBS Verify used Google Lens to analyze images from the video. The results matched a BBC report titled “Dubai fire outbreak: Ajman market dey burn inside huge firebreak for Dubai Metropolitan Area of United Arab Emirates (UAE),” published on August 5, 2020.
A comparison between the footage in the viral video in question (left) and the BBC’s coverage of the actual fire (right).
The incident was reported as a major blaze at the Ajman market in the Dubai metropolitan area of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The fire spread rapidly, causing extensive damage, and firefighters rushed to contain the situation. The event drew significant local attention.
However, details regarding the exact cause of the fire and the extent of the damage were still under investigation by authorities at the time.
A summary of alleged Iranian attacks on Dubai
Since February 28, 2026, international news agencies and official bodies have provided the following reports:
- Feb 28, 2026: Iran launched a major wave of missiles and suicide drones at multiple targets in the Persian Gulf, claiming retaliation against US and Israeli strikes.
- Dubai: Interceptions over the city caused drone debris to fall on the Burj Al Arab hotel, sparking a minor exterior fire. No injuries were reported.
- Palm Jumeirah: Reports indicated a drone crash near the Fairmont the Palm hotel, resulting in an explosion and fire that injured four people.
- Dubai International Airport (DXB): Minor damage occurred at a concourse building from explosions or debris. Four staff members were injured.
- Mar 1, 2026
- Dubai and UAE authorities issued a nationwide red-level emergency alert via mobile phones, urging residents to take cover due to risks of falling missiles.
- Evacuations were carried out at the Burj Khalifa and central Dubai after multiple interception explosions were heard.
- Mar 2–4, 2026
- Attacks continued in waves. By March 4, Iran had fired a total of 189 long-range missiles and more than 941 drones at UAE targets, including Abu Dhabi.
- UAE’s air defense systems intercepted nearly all missiles (about 172), but falling debris caused damage to residential buildings.
Where is the Ajman market?
Thai PBS Verify utilized Google Maps to check whether the Ajman market in the video was real. The team found that one of the nearby buildings, PWAN HOTEL, was identical both in the video and in the maps.
A comparison of the building in the video (left) and in the real-life location.
How is the current situation in Dubai?
On March 1, 2026, an aerial interception of drones over the United Arab Emirates led to one death and seven injuries near the Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. Debris caused by the interception fell to two major locations in Dubai, resulting in fire incidents.
The Zayed International Airport officials confirmed that one Asian national was killed and seven others were injured after drones were intercepted near the airport. The incident occurred on Sunday, prompting emergency teams to respond swiftly with medical assistance and rapid containment measures.
Meanwhile, Dubai authorities confirmed that drones were also intercepted over the city.
Falling debris set limited fires, including minor exterior damage to the walls of the Burj Al Arab hotel. However, no injuries were reported from this incident.
Dubai Media Office stated in an announcement on platform X that civil defense teams quickly brought the fire under control, and the situation was contained.
Authorities also confirmed that additional debris from intercepted aerial targets fell at a berth in Jebel Ali Port, sparking another fire.
Firefighters were continuing operations to fully extinguish the blaze.
At present, no further details have been released regarding the origin of the drones or the parties involved, as security agencies are still investigating the incident.
What is the truth?
Thai PBS Verify examined the viral video by Google Lens and confirmed that it was footage of a fire at the Ajman fruit market in Dubai back in 2020 — not evidence of the 2026 US–Iran conflict.
As for the current situation in Dubai, on March 1, 2026, drones were intercepted over the United Arab Emirates. The incident caused one death and seven injuries at the Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. At the same time, falling debris from aerial interceptions sparked two localized fires in Dubai, including minor damage to key sites in the city.
