How the World’s Tallest Building Became an Unlikely Target in the Iran-Israel Conflict

For the first time in its 16-year history, the iconic Burj Khalifa stood empty on Saturday as panic swept through Dubai. The world’s tallest building—normally teeming with tourists and residents—was forced to evacuate after Iranian missiles rained down across the Gulf region in retaliation for joint US-Israeli strikes on Tehran .

What should have been a quiet weekend in the glittering UAE desert turned into a nightmare of shaking windows, streaking fireballs, and the unmistakable boom of air defense systems engaging incoming threats.

“It was a big explosion, and it made the windows shake,” one witness told AFP, describing scenes never before witnessed in the oil-rich Gulf monarchy known for its stability and safety .

The Attack That Shook the Gulf

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched what it called major retaliatory strikes targeting US military bases across the region, including Al-Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi—which hosts American forces—and the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain .

But the attacks didn’t stay confined to military installations.

Explosions reverberated through Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Riyadh as missiles streaked across civilian skies . In Abu Dhabi, a civilian of Asian nationality was killed when missile debris crashed into a residential area . Four people were injured in Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah area after debris hit near the Fairmont The Palm hotel .

Smoke billowed near the Burj Khalifa’s observation decks—the very same levels where tourists normally pay $42 to gaze at the Dubai skyline . The 828-meter tower’s famous spire, visible from 95 kilometers away on a clear day, became a silent witness to the region’s worst escalation in decades .

Why the Burj Khalifa?

The evacuation wasn’t because the tower was directly targeted—Iran’s stated objectives were American military assets . But the Burj Khalifa’s unprecedented height made it vulnerable to falling debris from intercepted missiles. When air defense systems engaged incoming threats, shrapnel and wreckage rain down across wide areas .

Dubai authorities weren’t taking chances. They moved swiftly to clear the building’s 163 floors, emptying residences, offices, and observation decks as a precautionary measure . Flight operations at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport were suspended indefinitely, stranding travelers and disrupting one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs .

For context, the Burj Khalifa isn’t just a tourist attraction—it’s a vertical city. Designed by structural engineer Bill Baker using an innovative “buttressed core” system, the Y-shaped tower resists wind and gravity through three wings that support each other . But no engineering marvel can protect against missile debris traveling at supersonic speeds.

The Conflict That Spilled Across Borders

This terrifying escalation began hours earlier when the United States and Israel launched “Operation Epic Fury” —joint strikes targeting Iranian leadership . The Pentagon confirmed US involvement, with President Donald Trump warning that “bombs will fall everywhere.”

Israel claimed to have killed Mohammad Pakpour, commander of Iran’s IRGC, while Iranian officials insisted Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian survived assassination attempts . More than 80 schoolchildren were reportedly killed in a girls’ elementary school in Minab Hormozgan province, according to Iranian media.

Iran’s response was swift and devastating. The IRGC launched what the Israeli military described as a “barrage of missiles” toward Israel and US-linked targets throughout the Gulf . Iranian officials warned they would show “no leniency” and that any base in the region assisting Israel would be targeted .

Gulf States Caught in the Crossfire

For Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain, Saturday represented a nightmare scenario. These nations maintain delicate balancing acts—close security ties with Washington while cautiously engaging with Tehran .

Saudi Arabia had restored relations with Iran in 2023 after a seven-year rupture. The UAE had pursued pragmatic engagement. But when missiles fly, diplomacy takes a backseat to survival.

Saudi Arabia condemned “the treacherous Iranian aggression” as a “blatant violation of sovereignty” . Qatar said it successfully intercepted attacks and reported no casualties . Kuwait activated air defense systems against incoming missiles . Jordan sounded sirens.

But condemnation alone won’t protect civilians. The Gulf’s glittering skyscrapers—symbols of ambition and prosperity—now face threats their architects never imagined.

What This Means for Americans

For US citizens, this conflict hits close to home in multiple ways. First, American bases were primary targets—Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which serves as forward headquarters for US Central Command; Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, supporting Patriot missile batteries; and the Fifth Fleet in Bahrain .

Second, the escalation threatens global oil supplies and travel. Dubai’s airport closure affects thousands of American travelers connecting through one of the world’s busiest transit hubs .

Third, and perhaps most sobering: a message from Reza Nasri, a lawyer close to Iran’s foreign ministry, to the American people: “This is not your war. But you will pay for it with your soldiers’ lives, your national interests, and your standing as Americans around the world.”

The Engineering Marvel That Stood Empty

The Burj Khalifa’s evacuation marks a surreal chapter for a building designed to defy nature itself. When architects at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill designed the tower, they conducted over 40 wind tunnel analyses to ensure it could withstand Dubai’s harsh conditions . They developed a hexagonal buttressed core that “confuses the wind,” preventing vortices from forming consistently around the surface .

The building captures condensate from air conditioning—enough to fill 20 Olympic-size pools annually—and reuses it for landscaping . Its Y-shaped plan ensures only one-sixth of the surface faces direct sunlight at any time .

But no amount of engineering foresight prepared it for missile strikes.

The tower remains the world’s tallest building in 2026, though Saudi Arabia’s planned Rise Tower (targeting 2 kilometers) and Jeddah Tower (1,000+ meters) may eventually claim the title . Dubai itself is reviving the Dubai Creek Tower project to maintain its edge .

None of that matters when civilians flee shaking buildings.

Regional Fallout: What Comes Next

The national security council of Iran called on civilians to relocate away from cities under attack—a move analysts interpret as preventing protest crowds . Meanwhile, Reza Pahlavi, son of the former shah, called for protesters to return to streets .

The Gulf stands at a precipice. Will these attacks forge national unity against external threats, or spark internal unrest amid economic malaise and state repression?

One thing is certain: the perception of distance from regional conflict has shattered forever. When the Burj Khalifa evacuates, nowhere feels safe.

Looking Forward: The New Normal

For Americans watching from home, the images of missiles over Dubai’s skyline may feel distant. But US bases remain in the crosshairs. American soldiers stationed in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and UAE now face heightened threat levels .

Travelers should expect continued airspace closures and flight disruptions across the Gulf . The region’s carefully cultivated image as a stable oasis in a turbulent Middle East has taken an irreversible hit.

As one Dubai resident told AFP, watching fireballs streak across the desert sky: “It was very scary and very loud.”

Columbia University officials are accusing federal agents of lying to gain entry to a campus building early Thursday morning, leading to the dramatic detention of a popular international student with a massive social media following.

In a developing story that has ignited tensions between immigration enforcement and academic institutions, Ellie Aghayeva, a Columbia University senior attending on an international visa, was taken into custody by Department of Homeland Security agents in what university leadership is calling a “misrepresentation” of facts to gain access to the student.

The Pre-Dawn Raid

According to Columbia University’s acting president Claire Shipman, the incident unfolded around 6:30 a.m. Thursday when DHS agents arrived at a residential building on the New York City campus. Shipman alleges the agents gained entry by falsely claiming they were searching for a “missing person” – a tactic she strongly condemned in a letter to the campus community.

“Federal agents misrepresented themselves to gain entry into our residential building,” Shipman wrote, emphasizing that law enforcement must present a judicial warrant or subpoena to access non-public university spaces, not merely an administrative warrant.

Who Is Ellie Aghayeva?

Identified by both The New York Times and Columbia’s student newspaper, the Columbia Spectator, the detained student is Ellie Aghayeva, a senior with significant digital influence. Aghayeva commands over 100,000 followers on both TikTok and Instagram, making her one of the more visible international students on campus.

As news of her detention spread, Aghayeva posted on her Instagram story in the early morning hours: “DHS illegally arrested me. Please help.” The post has since circulated widely across social media platforms, drawing attention from fellow students, advocacy groups, and elected officials.

Legal Questions Mount

The circumstances surrounding Aghayeva’s detention raise serious legal questions about federal agents’ authority on university campuses. Shipman’s letter stressed that administrative warrants – which are typically issued by federal agencies themselves without judicial oversight – do not grant automatic access to university facilities.

Forbes has reached out to DHS for official comment on the allegations, but the agency has not yet responded to requests for clarification about the operation or the legal basis for the detention.

Political Leaders Respond

The incident has already drawn sharp criticism from New York City political leaders. New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, joined by Council Majority Leader Shaun Abreu, both Columbia College alumni, issued a joint statement defending immigrant communities and criticizing federal enforcement tactics.

“ICE has no place in our schools and universities. These activities do not make our city or country safer, but rather drive mistrust and danger,” Menin and Abreu said. “As Columbia College alumni, our hearts are with the community there, and we have been in contact with the University to offer our assistance.”

The statement reflects growing tensions between local governments and federal immigration authorities, particularly in sanctuary cities like New York that limit cooperation with immigration enforcement.

Campus Climate Concerns

The detention comes at a particularly sensitive time for Columbia University, which has been at the center of national debates about campus protests, free speech, and international student rights. International students make up a significant portion of Columbia’s student body, contributing both to the university’s academic excellence and its cultural diversity.

For many international students watching this case unfold, the incident raises concerns about their own vulnerability to federal enforcement actions. University officials have not indicated whether Aghayeva had any prior immigration issues or what specific allegations led to her detention.

What Happens Next

Legal experts suggest the case could become a flashpoint in ongoing debates about immigration enforcement on college campuses. The distinction between administrative warrants and judicial warrants – central to Columbia’s criticism of the operation – may become a key legal battleground.

Immigration advocates are likely to rally around Aghayeva’s case, given her social media prominence and the allegations of federal misrepresentation. Meanwhile, DHS may face pressure to explain both the basis for the detention and the tactics used to access the building.

For now, Aghayeva remains in federal custody, her Instagram post serving as a digital cry for help that has reached hundreds of thousands of followers and counting. The university has not indicated what legal support it may offer the detained student, though Shipman’s strong public statement suggests Columbia will not remain silent on the matter.

As this story continues to develop, it underscores the increasingly fraught relationship between federal immigration enforcement and American higher education – with a popular international student’s future hanging in the balance.

Positive sentiment: Celebrates Gretzky’s legendary hockey legacy and long-standing personal relationships
Negative sentiment: Highlights backlash, controversy, and growing public anger in Canada

Introduction: From Hockey Hero to Divisive Figure:Wayne

Ice hockey icon , long celebrated as “The Great One,” has found himself at the center of political controversy due to his decades-long friendship with U.S. President . While Gretzky insists the relationship is personal and non-political, many Canadians now view it as deeply troubling, transforming a national hero into a polarizing public figure.

This timeline breaks down how the friendship developed, why it became controversial, and how it continues to divide opinion on both sides of the border.

1980s–2009: Early Ties Through Golf and Family

Gretzky’s relationship with Trump reportedly began in the 1980s, largely through golf. At the time, Edmonton Oilers players occasionally played rounds with Trump via then-team owner Peter Pocklington.

The connection strengthened in 2009 when Gretzky’s daughter Paulina began dating professional golfer Dustin Johnson, a close Trump associate and frequent golf partner. Johnson later married Paulina in 2022, further intertwining the families.

🔗 Source:

• CBC News: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/brantford-hkn-gretzky-reputation-questioned-1.7498744

November 2024: The MAGA Hat Moment

The friendship became impossible to ignore when Gretzky attended Trump’s 2024 election victory party at Mar-a-Lago wearing a red “Make America Great Again” hat.

Images from the event spread rapidly online, sparking immediate backlash in Canada, where Trump remains deeply unpopular.

🔗 Source:

• Toronto Life: https://torontolife.com/culture/p-k-subban-defended-wayne-gretzkys-maga-associations-in-a-recent-interview/

December 2024 – January 2025: ‘Governor of Canada’ Comments

On Christmas Day 2024, Trump posted on Truth Social that he had encouraged Gretzky to run for prime minister—or jokingly referred to him as the “governor of Canada.” He repeated the remarks weeks later at Mar-a-Lago.

In January 2025, Gretzky and his wife attended Trump’s presidential inauguration as Trump’s comments about Canada becoming the “51st state” and new trade tariffs fueled nationwide outrage.

🔗 Sources:

• Newsweek: https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-wayne-gretzky-pass-didnt-know-him-canada-election-2066005
• CBC News: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/brantford-hkn-gretzky-reputation-questioned-1.7498744

February 2025: NHL Backlash at the 4 Nations Face-Off

During the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in Boston, Gretzky served as honorary captain for Team Canada. He was booed by fans at TD Garden, appeared without a Team Canada jersey, and gave a thumbs-up gesture toward the American team—further inflaming critics.

Outside the rink, vandalism targeted Gretzky statues in Edmonton and Brantford, while petitions emerged calling for Wayne Gretzky Drive to be renamed.

Trump later defended his friend on Truth Social, stating Gretzky was “low key” about Canada remaining a separate country.

🔗 Sources:

• Pro Football Network: https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nhl/all-star-wayne-gretzky-friendship-donald-trump/
• NOW Toronto: https://nowtoronto.com/news/wayne-gretzky-donald-trump/

March 2025: Vandalism and Public Anger Intensify

The controversy escalated when Gretzky’s statue outside Rogers Place in Edmonton was vandalized, including one incident where the statue was smeared with feces.

A petition to rename Wayne Gretzky Drive surpassed 10,000 signatures, reflecting growing frustration among Canadians who once viewed him as untouchable.

🔗 Source:

• Yahoo Sports: https://sports.yahoo.com/article/wayne-gretzky-got-bed-donald-093100835.html

November 2025: Gretzky Breaks His Silence

In a podcast interview, Gretzky finally addressed the backlash, emphasizing his Canadian identity.

“I know in my heart I’m Canadian. I’ve stayed Canadian, and I’m a Canadian for life,” he said.

He added that he has no interest in politics and recalled receiving a supportive call from then–Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who told him, “I’m giving you a hug call.”

🔗 Source:

• Hockey Feed: https://www.hockeyfeed.com/nhl-news/wayne-gretzky-finally-opens-up-about-friendship-with-donald-trump-and-the-51st-state-controversy

February 2026: P.K. Subban Defends Gretzky

Former NHL All-Star publicly defended Gretzky during an interview promoting the documentary RIVALS: The 4 Nations Face-Off.

Subban criticized Gretzky’s detractors, arguing they lacked credibility and emphasizing Gretzky’s lifelong contributions to Canadian hockey.

Despite the defense, polling shows 78% of Canadians disapprove of Trump, underscoring why the friendship remains so controversial.

🔗 Sources:

• Toronto Life: https://torontolife.com/culture/p-k-subban-defended-wayne-gretzkys-maga-associations-in-a-recent-interview/
• Yahoo Sports: https://sports.yahoo.com/article/wayne-gretzky-got-bed-donald-093100835.html

Conclusion: Legacy vs. Loyalty

For Gretzky, the relationship with Trump is personal and predates politics. For many Canadians, however, his silence in the face of Trump’s rhetoric about Canadian sovereignty feels like a betrayal.

As former Oilers owner Peter Pocklington summed it up: “Wayne is not a politician. He’s a hockey player. Period.”

Still, the debate shows no sign of fading—and Gretzky’s legacy now exists alongside one of the most emotionally charged political divides in modern Canadian history.