British expatriates in Dubai have told City News how recent military developments in the Middle East are affecting daily life in the United Arab Emirates.
British nationals living in Dubai have told City News how the recent developments are affecting their day-to-day lives.
George, who is originally from London, said the situation initially came as a surprise.
“I wasn’t scared at first at all because I just thought they’d never attack the UAE. But clearly they’re going for US air bases, which are in the UAE.”
He added that, from his perspective, daily life has continued largely as normal.
“We don’t feel like ‘I want to go home.’ […] Dubai is ridiculously safe.”
Smoke rises from an Iranian strike behind parked aircraft at Dubai International Airport after its closure in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Sunday 1 March 2026. CREDIT: AP.
Another British resident, Francesca, who lives in Dubai Creek Harbour, told City News that she felt similarly.
“It’s a little bit quieter than usual out and about […] but seeing how many are being intercepted gives us reassurance and confidence that they are keeping us safe.”
She added that, in her view, Dubai feels safer than London, even amid the current tensions.
“I saw a tweet the other day which said you’re actually safer in Dubai, with missiles overhead being intercepted, than you are walking in London at 9:00 PM at night.
“It made me think. There is this sense of underlying safety that you feel being here. It’s definitely not made us want to move back to the UK.”
Smoke rises after an Iranian drone attack in the port area of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, March 1, 2026. CREDIT: AP.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its guidance for British nationals in the region, advising them to follow local authority instructions closely and remain alert to further updates.
Responding to the developments, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones stated the priorities of the British governement.
“The UK will act in the interests of British citizens, regardless of their faith or where they are in the Unted Kingdom.”
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Headline“I never thought they’d attack Dubai”: Londoners stories of life under fire in the Middle East
Short Headline"I never thought they'd attack Dubai".
StandfirstBritish expatriates in Dubai explain what the recent military developments mean for their day-to-day lives.
British expatriates in Dubai have told City News how recent military developments in the Middle East are affecting daily life in the United Arab Emirates.
British nationals living in Dubai have told City News how the recent developments are affecting their day-to-day lives.
George, who is originally from London, said the situation initially came as a surprise.
“I wasn’t scared at first at all because I just thought they’d never attack the UAE. But clearly they’re going for US air bases, which are in the UAE.”
He added that, from his perspective, daily life has continued largely as normal.
“We don’t feel like ‘I want to go home.’ […] Dubai is ridiculously safe.”
Smoke rises from an Iranian strike behind parked aircraft at Dubai International Airport after its closure in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Sunday 1 March 2026. CREDIT: AP.
Another British resident, Francesca, who lives in Dubai Creek Harbour, told City News that she felt similarly.
“It’s a little bit quieter than usual out and about […] but seeing how many are being intercepted gives us reassurance and confidence that they are keeping us safe.”
She added that, in her view, Dubai feels safer than London, even amid the current tensions.
“I saw a tweet the other day which said you’re actually safer in Dubai, with missiles overhead being intercepted, than you are walking in London at 9:00 PM at night.
“It made me think. There is this sense of underlying safety that you feel being here. It’s definitely not made us want to move back to the UK.”
Smoke rises after an Iranian drone attack in the port area of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, March 1, 2026. CREDIT: AP.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its guidance for British nationals in the region, advising them to follow local authority instructions closely and remain alert to further updates.
Responding to the developments, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones stated the priorities of the British governement.
“The UK will act in the interests of British citizens, regardless of their faith or where they are in the Unted Kingdom.”
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