Irish Citizens in Middle East Urged to Shelter Amid Missile Strikes

Tensions escalated dramatically in the Middle East on March 16, 2024, as Iranian missiles targeted Dubai, prompting urgent warnings for residents to seek shelter. Among those witnessing the chaos was journalist John Hayes, who described a terrifying scene as missiles streaked across the sky, intercepted by the city’s air-defense systems.

Hayes, who works for Al Arabiya English, reported that the situation intensified around Iftar, the evening meal marking the end of the daily fast during Ramadan. “A barrage of missiles hit the city’s coastline, triggering panic among the public, with people rushing to stores and filling petrol stations,” he said. The initial wave of attacks led to a rapid shift in the atmosphere, with Dubai’s residents realizing the gravity of the situation.

As midnight approached, mobile phones buzzed with alerts advising people to remain indoors, away from windows, and to seek shelter. Notably, Dubai’s hotels, airport, and port were all affected by the strikes. Hayes expressed disbelief at the escalation of conflict, stating, “Previously, all thought this was an Iran-US war that would never hit our shorelines.”

In response to the crisis, Helen McEntee, Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, confirmed that many Irish citizens in the United Arab Emirates had registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs. “I encourage anyone in the region, either resident or transiting, to register,” she said. McEntee emphasized that the current advice is to shelter in place, as there are no evacuation routes available.

The Irish government is coordinating with EU member states and airlines to monitor the situation closely. “This remains the common approach at the moment,” McEntee added, highlighting the unique consular challenges posed by the ongoing conflict.

Hayes, who divides his time between Dubai and Riyadh, recounted the harrowing experience of watching missiles in real-time. “You’re watching the trajectory of the missile, hoping it burns up before impact,” he said. The fear was palpable, with many feeling helpless due to the closed airspace.

Residents are grappling with anxiety as the situation unfolds. Siobhán, a Dublin native living in Dubai for 15 years, noted that people are concerned but opting to stay put for now. “We’re just sitting it out and hoping it’ll dissipate,” she explained, adding that she had stocked up on essentials without panic-buying.

As the missile strikes continued sporadically, Siobhán described how her home vibrated with the sound of explosions. “It started to get a bit scary last night,” she said, reflecting on the experience of hearing blasts throughout the night.

Most businesses have instructed employees to work from home, and there is a general consensus among residents to avoid unnecessary travel. McEntee confirmed that, to date, no Irish citizens have been reported injured in connection with the missile attacks.

She urged Irish nationals in the region to register with their embassies to ensure their safety and aid in providing accurate information about those affected. It is estimated that around 20,000 Irish citizens reside in the Gulf region, many of whom are expatriates working in various sectors.

For those with concerns, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has provided a contact number for assistance: +353 1 4082000. Additionally, citizens can register online at https://citizensregistration.dfa.ie/.

As the situation continues to develop, many are left to contemplate the reality of living in a region where conflict can escalate dramatically.