North Wales expat Poppy Owen has been living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the past five years. She has always felt safe and secure in her adopted home, until now. With the recent attacks by Iran on the UAE, Poppy’s fears have shifted from the explosions to the debris from defensive missiles.
As a British citizen, Poppy has always been aware of the political tensions in the Middle East. However, she never imagined that she would be caught in the middle of it. The recent attacks by Iran on the UAE have left her feeling anxious and uncertain about her safety.
Poppy, who works as a teacher in Dubai, says that the sound of explosions has become a regular occurrence in the past few days. But what worries her more is the debris from the defensive missiles that are being launched to intercept the attacks. She fears that the debris could cause more harm than the actual explosions.
“I have seen videos of the debris falling from the sky and it is terrifying. It could hit buildings, cars, or even people. I am more afraid of the debris than the explosions themselves,” says Poppy.
The UAE has been on high alert since the attacks by Iran on their military bases in Iraq. The country has deployed its air defense systems to intercept any potential threats. While this has provided some reassurance to the residents, Poppy says that it has also added to her fears.
“I can hear the air defense systems being activated and it is a constant reminder that we are not safe. It is a scary feeling to know that we are living in a war zone,” she says.
Poppy’s fears are not unfounded. In the past, debris from defensive missiles has caused damage and casualties in other parts of the world. In 2018, a woman in Saudi Arabia was killed when debris from a missile intercepted by the country’s air defense system fell on her house. This incident has only added to Poppy’s concerns.
Despite the fear and uncertainty, Poppy says that she has no plans of leaving the UAE. She has built a life here and considers it her home. She also believes that the UAE government is doing everything in their power to protect its residents.
“The UAE has always been a safe and welcoming country for expats. I have faith in their ability to handle this situation and keep us safe. I am not going to let fear dictate my life,” she says.
Poppy also praises the UAE government for their swift response to the attacks. She says that the authorities have been providing regular updates and instructions to the residents, which has helped ease some of the tension.
“I am grateful for the government’s efforts in keeping us informed and safe. It shows that they prioritize the well-being of their residents,” she adds.
Poppy’s sentiments are shared by many other expats living in the UAE. Despite the current situation, they continue to go about their daily lives, showing resilience and trust in the country’s leadership.
As the tensions between Iran and the US continue to escalate, Poppy and other expats in the UAE hope for a peaceful resolution. They also urge the international community to come together and find a diplomatic solution to the crisis.
In the meantime, Poppy says that she will continue to stay strong and positive. She believes that the UAE will overcome this challenge and emerge even stronger.
“I have faith in the UAE and its people. We will get through this together,” she says with determination.
