MALAYSIAN resident in United Arab Emirates (UAE), Nurul Ain Haron recounted a tense moment in Dubai when debris from intercepted Iranian missiles fell in tourist areas of the city, despite no warning sirens.
“Without any sirens, in an instant the situation became alarming when debris from the intercepted missiles fell right in the heart of the city’s tourist zones,” said Nurul Ain, 40, who lives in Ajman with her Palestinian husband, Mohamad Adab Shaat, 36.
She described two pieces of missile debris landing at iconic locations, including Palm Jumeirah and City Walk Dubai, striking a hotel in the area.
“So far, daily life continues as usual. There are no curfews or alarms in Dubai, but there is concern knowing debris has fallen in the city.
“The news that Burj Khalifa had to be evacuated added to the anxiety among residents. Although the situation is under control, it creates a sense of unease,” she said.
Nurul Ain added that other missiles that were not intercepted were believed to be headed toward a US military base in Abu Dhabi.
Now five months pregnant, she has also faced travel restrictions as Dubai International Airport temporarily closed amid heightened airspace tensions.
“I am not allowed to fly given the current situation and my pregnancy. We can only pray that the situation remains safe and does not worsen,” she said, noting that her home in Ajman is approximately three hours from the US base in Abu Dhabi.
The experience is a stark reminder of past peril. Nurul Ain previously drew national attention when she was trapped in Gaza during Israel’s large-scale attacks in October 2023, before being safely evacuated through the Rafah border by Malaysian authorities.
Meanwhile, Malaysians in Doha, Qatar, described a calm but cautious atmosphere despite the escalation.
“Daily activities continue normally, without any official curfews, and public facilities such as supermarkets are operating 24 hours.
“However, my family and I are limiting our movement and staying home unless absolutely necessary for safety,” said Mohamad, 43, who works in the oil and gas sector and lives with his wife and three children.
He added that the Malaysian community in Qatar remains in close contact with the Malaysian Embassy for updates and safety guidance should conditions worsen.
A pilot known only as Hakim shared similar observations, urging relatives in Malaysia not to worry and to pray for a peaceful resolution.
Hakim recently returned to Doha from Malaysia, citing concerns over potential airspace closures amid the ongoing tensions.
Despite the anxiety, both in the UAE and Qatar, residents report that essential supplies remain sufficient and daily life continues under controlled and vigilant conditions, as families wait for the crisis in the Middle East to stabilise - March 1, 2026
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