India, March 1 -- A video circulating online shows an explosion followed by thick black smoke rising near the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, as Iran launched retaliatory attacks in response to US and Israeli strikes.

The footage shows smoke billowing in the distance shortly after reports of an Iranian drone being spotted near the iconic Dubai skyscraper. It remains unclear whether the Burj Khalifa itself was the intended target or whether it suffered any damage.

The building was evacuated earlier in the day as explosions were reported from other parts of the city.

Standing 828 metres tall in the heart of Dubai, the Burj Khalifa is valued at an estimated $1.5 billion.

The skyscraper's main structure is insured for approxim...