Multiple explosions were reported at the Jebel Ali industrial zone and port in southern Dubai early on Wednesday, with Emirati officials acknowledging at least seven blasts in 20 minutes.
Two people were arrested for filming the incident. Reports of the incident varied.
Iranian news outlets reported that the missile attack was launched from Yemen. Emirati media also reported multiple explosions but attributed them to an industrial accident.
Iranian broadcaster Press TV, citing Arabic media, reported that at least 7 blasts were heard within 20 minutes across the Jebel Ali industrial area in Dubai.
Witnesses say they heard at least four or five bangs around 2:40 am local time on Wednesday, August 5.
NASA thermal imagery indicated a fire at a warehouse adjacent to the port used for fuel storage and transfer.
Clouds of smoke were seen by residents in the area.
Images posted online in the aftermath reportedly show a fire raging in the Jebel Ali industrial area, and residents say they saw firefighters at the scene.
Arabic media said that Emirati authorities detained two individuals for filming the fire. Simultaneously, explosions were reported in the Yemeni capital Sanaa, with some sources attributing the sounds to an airstrike and others to missile launches from Yemeni territory.
Jebel Ali, situated in southwestern Dubai, serves as a vital logistics, commercial and industrial centre for the region.
The area houses the Jebel Ali port and the Jebel Ali Free Zone, an international trade hub founded in 1985 that currently houses over 11,000 companies representing more than 150 countries.
