Reuters withdraws story on explosions in Dubai

Reuters had on Thursday quoted witnesses as saying they heard booms in downtown Dubai during recent renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran. The latter has responded to U.S. bombing attacks by firing into neighbouring Gulf states.  

In a statement after the story was withdrawn, Reuters said it regretted the original report, which did not meet its standards and had not provided the context that its reporters did not know where the sounds were coming from or what they meant.

The statement added: “In keeping with its commitment to impartial and reliable news under the Thomson Reuters Trust Principles, Reuters withdrew the story and published the denial from the Dubai Media Office.”

The story on the Reuters wire said that since the Iran war began in February “loud noises in Dubai and ​other Gulf ​states ⁠have signalled missile and drone interceptions, often ​without resulting in any ​damage ⁠on the ground. Following the booms on Thursday, there ⁠was ​no sign of ​damage, and the authorities also reported ​no activity.”

The Dubai Media Office said in a statement on X that “action will be taken against media outlets that publish false news or unverified information about Dubai, in accordance with local and federal laws and regulations.” It gave no further detail.

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