There are three types of people in Dubai right now: those going to paddle, those rushing to the Omani border and those waiting for house prices to drop.
It’s a running joke here, and it captures the mood beautifully.
The seventh day This war Started with the familiar clash of everyday life – people go jogging, kids go to the park, malls are full of shoppers.
But the midnight air was pierced by the screeching of yet another urgent alarm on mobile phones.
A missile alert has been sent to mobile phones in Dubai
Iran War Latest: Trump Demands ‘Unconditional Surrender’
It’s a warning about incoming missiles, telling people to take shelter and stay away from windows.
We now have to teach toddlers and babysitters to take cover when they hear warnings or explosions from air defenses. I’ve met kids in the Ukraine who are so familiar with the sounds of war that they can tell if it’s incoming or outgoing fire. I never expected kids to put up with this Dubai.
This is a dual reality UAE now living
Despite the daily attacks on the country, normal life continues.
Smoke billows from Dubai’s Jebel Ali port on Sunday after an Iranian attack. Image: Reuters
The UAE now needs to protect its territory, residents and way of life – in ways it never imagined.
It is understood that Iran has fired more drones and missiles at the UAE than anyone else — including Israel — during the past seven-day war.
If you want to grab people’s attention, aim for a global city and its five-star hotels. Create shock, destruction and headlines.
But no one expected this – not the government, the military or the millions of people who live here.
An explosion took place at the Fairmont The Palm Hotel in Dubai on Saturday. Image: AP
The US military base in Abu Dhabi has always been known to be a possible target, but the list is fairly short given the large American military assets in the region. The UAE made it clear in a public statement several weeks ago that no attacks on Iran should come from its territory, airspace or waters. It is thought to add a layer of protection to Iran’s Gulf neighbour.
We couldn’t be more wrong.
More than 200 ballistic missiles and nearly 2,000 drones were fired at the UAE in seven days.
Two missiles and 74 drones arrived. Three were killed and dozens were injured.
Dubai Beer Garden is almost empty amid ongoing hostilities with Iran. Image: AP
For some residents, it’s too much and community WhatsApp groups are abuzz with people sharing flight information and tips on traveling to Muscat Airport.
I have heard from many who have passed Oman Others drove to catch a flight to Saudi Arabia.
I have heard from others who make the reverse journey – separated from their children and desperate to return.
For many stranded tourists, it’s a nightmare holiday. The initial shock of finding themselves caught in a war is replaced by a feeling of abandonment.
It took almost a week for the UK government to organize its first evacuation flight and tens of thousands of British holidaymakers are still trying to get home.
We have received hundreds of messages from people who are confused about what to do. A passenger who boarded the flight said he saw incoming fire on the way to the airport.
Fire at the US Consulate in Dubai
This has been a surreal and terrifying week on many levels. The psychological impact is far greater than any physical damage.
Will this harm the city? Does it affect the country? For sure. At least once. I have spoken to residents who have already left and do not want to return.
Will it affect sky-high property prices and rents? Maybe.
An empty road near Dubai International Airport. Image: Reuters
Much depends on how long this war lasts – how long Iran is willing to sabotage its relations with its neighbors.
But what I do know is that after seven days, a country unused to war has shown that it can defend itself.
And the population that chose this city for its lifestyle and security — never expecting to face war on their doorstep — has shown a quiet resilience they can be proud of.
