The United Arab Emirates, known as a safe, stable, and tax-free haven, experienced a major shock when Iranian missiles and drones struck key locations. Missiles and drones launched by Iran reportedly hit commercial hub Dubai and the country's capital Abu Dhabi, setting fire to a five-star hotel, the world’s tallest building, and killing one person while injuring seven at the Abu Dhabi airport. The attacks were described as retaliation by Iran following major strikes by the United States and Israel. Iran's retaliatory assault has rocked the UAE’s image as a calm and secure oasis in a volatile Middle Eastern region. Middle East analyst Cinzia Bianco of the European Council on Foreign Relations said the attack represents Dubai’s “ultimate nightmare.”  Meanwhile, UAE officials said that most of the loud explosions were successful air defense interceptions and that much of the damage resulted from falling debris rather than direct strikes.