Singaporeans in UAE hear explosions, feel tremors from missile strikes

Mr Dinesh, who has been home with his wife and child, said most food delivery platforms – including grocery services – have halted operations. He also observed some panic buying at local supermarkets.

“However, generally speaking, it is business as usual in Dubai,” he said.

For an investment banker living in Dubai who wanted to be known only as Larry, the recent developments were not surprising.

“If you’re in the Middle East, you should be prepared, because we are at the heart of everything that’s happening here,” said the 34-year-old.

He recalled that in June last year, the United States had struck Iranian nuclear facilities, which led to Iran attacking a United States base in Qatar in retaliation. As a result, several countries in the region, including the UAE, closed their airspace.

Despite the current tensions, he said the government has been providing timely information.

“We didn’t expect it to be as sustained as this situation that we have right now, but all in all, the Dubai government is keeping us updated, always informed and giving residents enough assurance that they’re working to make sure (we) are safe.”