Interceptor Fire Disrupts Sleep, But Dubai Expats Still Head to Work

"There have been nights when I couldn't sleep because of missile interception sounds starting at 2 a.m., and seeing fires break out is frightening. But we're safe here, so I hope our families in Korea don't worry too much."

Kang, a Korean expatriate who has lived in Dubai, UAE for six years, spent a sleepless night a few days ago as some 30 missile and drone interceptions echoed through the pre-dawn sky. His phone received a message from the Korean Embassy: "Stay indoors, avoid windows, refrain from traveling near U.S. military bases or the U.S. Embassy."

His primary bank's mobile application stopped working after a data center was damaged, and his car navigation GPS malfunctioned repeatedly. As Iran launched large-scale retaliatory strikes against neighboring countries following U.S.-Israeli airstrikes, Kang's once-peaceful daily life changed dramatically.

Since the crisis began, Kang has packed emergency bags so his family of three—himself, his wife, and their newborn daughter—can evacuate at any moment. He has also stocked up on baby formula and milk as a precaution.

"Since coming here, I've experienced attacks targeting U.S. military bases about twice, but they always ended quickly. I thought this time would be the same," Kang told The Seoul Economic Daily on May 8. "But I admit I'm scared as the situation drags on longer than expected."

Still, Kang emphasized he has no plans to abandon his livelihood and evacuate to Korea immediately. "Our life and work are here, and I trust that the UAE government can defend against all of this," he said.

The UAE Ministry of Defense recently announced it intercepted 161 of 174 ballistic missiles and 645 of 689 drones launched by Iran—an interception rate exceeding 90%.

Perhaps because of this, the Dubai that Kang describes differs from a typical wartime city. Though interception sounds echo intermittently and occasional damage occurs, daily routines largely continue. People still go to work. Apartment swimming pools remain crowded. Residents jog, push strollers, walk dogs, and take children outside. Supermarket shelves are stocked with eggs, water, and fruit as usual. Cafes, restaurants, and delivery services mostly operate normally.

Schools in the Dubai area switched to remote learning after Iran's attacks and moved up spring break from May 17 to May 9. Yet students still gather at outdoor basketball courts, beaches, and playgrounds.

Nam, who has lived in Dubai for 15 years working for a local company, said: "I feel afraid, but that doesn't mean everything has stopped. 'Anxiety and daily life coexisting' is the most accurate description."

"The first two days after the incident were unsettling, with missiles flying overhead and debris from intercepted missiles and drones causing some damage," Nam said. "But most public spaces and restaurants are operating normally, and daily life is unaffected. After one day of remote work, I'm back at the office."

Korean expatriates in Dubai urged families and friends in Korea not to worry excessively, as they are calmly maintaining their daily lives. "I often find myself reassuring friends who call in panic after watching the news. I hope Korea gets an accurate picture of the situation here," Nam said.

Kang added: "Our families in Korea are increasingly worried, but I want them to know we're safely going about our daily lives."

The Korean government is working intensively to ensure the safety of its citizens in the Middle East. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has helped evacuate or repatriate Koreans from Iran (25), Israel (113), Bahrain (14), Iraq (5), Kuwait (14), and Qatar (65).

At 5:35 p.m. Korean time on May 8, a special charter flight carrying 206 passengers (203 Koreans) departed Abu Dhabi Airport for Incheon. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, who held a meeting with Middle East diplomatic missions and the Overseas Citizens Protection Task Force the previous day, said: "We will make every effort until the last citizen wishing to return arrives home safely and until all our citizens in the region can return to peaceful daily life."