Blasts heard, smoke seen over central Dubai

DUBAI - Explosions rattled buildings in Dubai and a large cloud of smoke hung over a central area of the Middle East financial hub on Friday, AFP correspondents said.

An AFP correspondent felt the building shake and heard a huge explosion.

Sirens could be heard coming from the direction of Sheikh Zayed Road, the United Arab Emirates city's main artery.

A drone fell on Thursday near Dubai's financial district after Iran threatened to hit economic institutions, prompting some companies to evacuate staff.

The UAE has come under repeated Iranian fire during the Middle East war, with Dubai's airport, one of the world's biggest, repeatedly targeted as well as its port and luxury real estate including the Palm Jumeirah.