Iranian Airstrikes Rattle Gulf Region As South Africans In UAE And Qatar Describe Fear And Uncertainty

South Africans living across the Middle East have described tense scenes of fear and uncertainty after a wave of Iranian airstrikes targeted United States military bases in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region over the weekend.

The GCC comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. While many of the missiles were intercepted by defence systems, the attacks prompted widespread emergency alerts and safety advisories across several countries.

Despite the heightened anxiety, expatriates say they are remaining alert and focused on keeping their families safe as authorities continue to monitor the situation.

In parts of Dubai, debris from intercepted missiles reportedly caused damage to buildings and infrastructure, including areas near Dubai International Airport. Authorities confirmed injuries linked to the incidents.

South Africans In Dubai Share Impact Of Iranian Strikes Near Dubai International Airport

Rushna Minnaar Lipsey, 36, who lives about 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport, said the sudden escalation has been deeply unsettling. Originally from Cape Town, she moved to Dubai 12 years ago to work as a hotel singer and now works as a freelance make-up artist.

She said the noise of fighter jets and explosions created an overwhelming atmosphere as she tried to comfort her children while remaining composed herself.

Authorities advised residents to remain indoors after the attacks, warning that falling debris from intercepted missiles posed serious risks. According to Lipsey, the UAE military intercepted many of the hundreds of missiles reportedly launched from Iran. Even so, residents were urged to avoid going outside until the immediate threat had passed.

Although tensions have eased slightly, Lipsey said she intends to stay indoors until officials confirm that conditions have fully stabilised.

She has taken additional precautions at home, reinforcing bedroom windows, placing a fire extinguisher beside her bed and preparing emergency bags with shoes, medication, first-aid supplies, canned food and water.

Her primary concern, she said, is the safety of her daughters, Jazzy Luna, 7, and Melody Story, 3, and her husband Sean, 40. Sean is currently stranded in Australia after flights were cancelled over the weekend, preventing him from returning home.

She said the separation has been emotionally difficult during such a tense time. However, he has rebooked a flight scheduled for March 9, and the family hopes to be reunited soon.

Lipsey also commended the UAE authorities for their response, saying the government had worked tirelessly to safeguard residents. A 24-hour trauma hotline has been introduced to provide emotional support during the crisis.

Abu Dhabi And Doha Residents Describe Emergency Alerts And Missile Interceptions

Elsewhere in the UAE, Miksha Ramlall, 31, said she is trying to stay optimistic despite moments of unease.

Ramlall relocated from Durban to Abu Dhabi seven months ago with her sons, Ethan Govender, 11, and Akario Govender, 4. She works as a teacher at a private school.

Living around two hours from the city centre in a more remote area, she said her experience has been less intense than in central urban districts. However, she confirmed seeing missile interceptions in the sky and hearing loud blasts as defence systems engaged incoming projectiles.

Fighter jets have also been heard overhead at times, she said, though she described her neighbourhood as relatively calm compared with the main city.

Residents have been receiving regular emergency alerts instructing them to remain indoors and avoid standing near windows and doors during periods of increased risk.

Ramlall said clear communication from government authorities has helped reassure communities. Officials have repeatedly emphasised that robust safety and defence systems are in place, she said.

Nevertheless, she acknowledged that uncertainty can be stressful, especially when alerts arrive late at night or in the early hours. She is focused on maintaining normal routines for her children while closely following official guidance.

For now, she does not intend returning to South Africa and says she still feels safe despite the regional tensions.

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In Doha, Qatar, another South African resident who requested anonymity described similar scenes.

She said authorities began issuing frequent emergency notifications after reports emerged that Iranian forces had targeted US bases across the GCC region.

On Saturday, residents received a nationwide emergency alert on their mobile phones. Soon after, she and others heard several loud explosions, later confirmed by officials to have been 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 considered safe.

Although the developments have caused anxiety, she expressed confidence in the Qatari government’s ability to protect the public.

As a precaution, schools in Doha have temporarily moved to online learning, while many businesses have instructed employees to work remotely. Her husband is currently working from home as the family continues to monitor official updates.

While their neighbourhood remains calm, she said they are staying indoors and following government guidance.

Like many expatriates across the region, she said they remain hopeful that stability will return as authorities prioritise public safety.