Residents shelter indoors amid regional escalation and airspace closures
Singaporeans living in the United Arab Emirates have described hearing loud explosions and feeling tremors as missile and drone strikes rocked parts of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Explosions Near Dubai Airport
Attacks near Dubai International Airport in the early hours of March 1 were heard by several Singaporeans living close to the area. Jumadi Husani, 53, said explosions believed to be missile and drone interceptions shook doors and windows in his home.
Dubai airport confirmed four people were injured. Elsewhere, Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi was struck in a drone attack, with one reported fatality, while the Burj Al Arab hotel sustained damage.
Residents Told to Shelter
Authorities issued mobile alerts urging residents to seek shelter indoors and stay away from doors and windows. Singaporeans interviewed said they were closely monitoring updates from UAE authorities and the Singapore embassy.
Flights have been grounded, with Singapore Airlines and Scoot cancelling services to Dubai and Jeddah. With airspace closures across parts of the region, leaving the country is not immediately possible.
Daily Life Disrupted
Dinesh Sandran, who runs a marketing agency in Dubai, said he realised something was wrong only after hearing loud bangs and seeing social media posts. He noted that some food delivery platforms temporarily halted operations.
He also observed limited panic buying at supermarkets, although he described overall conditions in Dubai as largely calm despite the tensions.
Families Back Home Concerned
Singaporeans in the UAE said they have been flooded with messages from worried relatives. Jumadi said his family in Singapore has been in constant contact since the strikes began.
Another resident, who asked to be known as Larry, said he has been reassuring loved ones that strikes appear concentrated near coastal areas with US bases, while he lives further inland.
Staying Despite Uncertainty
Despite the unrest, those interviewed said they do not intend to leave permanently. Many expressed confidence in the UAE government’s communication and security measures.
While acknowledging the scale of the escalation is unprecedented in their experience, they hope the situation will stabilise and view it as part of the region’s recurring geopolitical tensions.
The strikes have brought regional tensions closer to home for Singaporeans in the UAE, disrupting flights and daily routines. For now, residents are staying indoors, monitoring official advisories and hoping the escalation subsides.
Sources: CNA (2026) , Straits Times (2026)
Keywords: Dubai Explosions March 1, UAE Drone Strike, Singapore Embassy Advisory, Zayed Airport Attack, Burj Al Arab Damage
