\n<\/p>\n
The four Singaporeans CNA spoke to said UAE authorities sent mobile phone alerts urging residents to seek immediate shelter in the nearest secure building and to stay away from doors, windows and open areas.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are monitoring the situation very closely and will also listen to the advice from the UAE government and the Singapore embassy before making any decisions,\u201d said Mr Jumadi.<\/p>\n
He added that with flights grounded, leaving the country was not immediately possible.<\/p>\n
Singapore Airlines and Scoot have cancelled flights to Dubai and Jeddah amid the escalating tensions.<\/p>\n
Mr Dinesh, who has been home with his wife and child, said most food delivery platforms \u2013 including grocery services \u2013 have halted operations. He also observed some panic buying at local supermarkets.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, generally speaking, it is business as usual in Dubai,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
For an investment banker living in Dubai who wanted to be known only as Larry, the recent developments were not surprising.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re in the Middle East, you should be prepared, because we are at the heart of everything that\u2019s happening here,\u201d said the 34-year-old.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Despite the current tensions, he said the government has been providing timely information.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe didn\u2019t 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\u2019re working to make sure (we) are safe.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n