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 near Dubai’s financial district after Iran threatened to hit economic institutions, prompting some companies to evacuate staff.