South African expatriates living in the Middle East have described heightened fear and uncertainty following a wave of Iranian airstrikes targeting United States military bases across the Gulf Cooperation Council region since the weekend.
The GCC comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. While defence systems intercepted many of the missiles, the attacks set off emergency alerts and safety warnings across several countries, leaving residents on edge.
Despite the tense atmosphere, South Africans in the region say they are remaining vigilant while attempting to maintain calm.
Anxiety In The UAE
In Dubai, parts of the city experienced disruptions after debris from intercepted missiles fell near key areas, including zones close to Dubai International Airport. Authorities reported damage to sections of buildings and infrastructure, along with injuries linked to the incidents.
Rushna Minnaar Lipsey, 36, who lives about 15 minutes from the airport, described the escalation as deeply unsettling. Originally from Cape Town, she moved to Dubai 12 years ago to pursue a career as a hotel singer and now works as a freelance make up artist.
She said the sound of fighter jets and explosions created an overwhelming environment, particularly as she tried to reassure her young children while managing her own anxiety. Residents were instructed to remain indoors due to the risks posed by falling debris from intercepted missiles.
Although the UAE military reportedly intercepted a large number of incoming projectiles, authorities urged the public to avoid going outside until the immediate threat had passed. While the situation has eased somewhat, Lipsey has chosen to stay indoors until officials confirm that conditions have fully stabilised.
She has taken precautionary steps to safeguard her family, including reinforcing bedroom windows, keeping a fire extinguisher nearby and preparing emergency bags stocked with essentials such as medication, first aid supplies, canned food and water.
Her primary concern remains the safety of her daughters, Jazzy Luna, 7, and Melody Story, 3, as well as her husband, Sean, 40. Sean is currently stranded in Australia after flight cancellations over the weekend prevented his immediate return. He has since secured a new booking for 9 March, offering hope that the family will soon be reunited.
Lipsey also commended UAE authorities for their response, noting that a 24 hour trauma hotline has been introduced to provide emotional support during the crisis.
Elsewhere in the UAE, Miksha Ramlall, 31, said she is trying to stay optimistic despite moments of tension. She relocated from Durban to Abu Dhabi seven months ago with her two sons and works as a teacher at a private school.
Living roughly two hours from the city centre, Ramlall said her area has remained comparatively calm, though she has witnessed missile interceptions in the sky and heard loud blasts as defence systems responded to incoming threats. Fighter jets have also been audible overhead at times.
She credited regular government communication and emergency alerts with helping to reassure residents. Officials have repeatedly emphasised the strength of national defence systems, which she believes has eased community fears. Even so, she acknowledged that late night or early morning alerts can be distressing.
For now, Ramlall intends to remain in the UAE, saying she still feels safe despite the volatile regional climate.
Similar Scenes In Qatar
In Doha, Doha, a South African expatriate who requested anonymity described a similar experience. Authorities began issuing frequent emergency notifications after reports emerged that Iranian forces had targeted US bases across the GCC.
On Saturday, residents received a nationwide emergency alert on their mobile phones. Shortly afterwards, several loud explosions were heard, later confirmed by officials as missiles intercepted by Qatar’s air defence systems.
At the time, she and her family were attending a church gathering. She said those present remained calm and left once it was deemed safe to do so.
As a precaution, schools in Doha have temporarily shifted to online learning, and many businesses have asked employees to work remotely. Her husband is currently working from home as the family continues to monitor official updates.
While their neighbourhood remains calm, they have chosen to stay indoors and follow government guidance. Like many expatriates across the region, she expressed hope that stability will soon return as authorities prioritise public safety.
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