The Middle East region has been plunged into a renewed military confrontation after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran and targeted the Islamic Republic’s military and naval forces on 28 February. Despite these tensions, tourists in the United Arab Emirates say daily life largely remains unaffected, with normal activity resuming in cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
News agency ANI on Monday spoke to Indian tourists in the UAE, who said that their visit has been pleasant so far and they did not see any commotion, adding that they had to stay back at the hotel for just a day. One tourist said that the UAE government is taking good care of the people.
Following US-Israeli strikes, Iran retaliated on 28 February and launched attacks on US bases in the Middle Eastern countries, and also launched strikes at Israeli sites. Following Tehran’s retaliation, loud explosions were heard across several Gulf cities, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Manama, and Riyadh.
On 28 February, the first day of the strikes, Dubai’s man-made Palm Jumeirah reported an incident of fire, whereas Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, was reportedly evacuated after explosions were heard near it. However, according to the ANI report, on Monday, the tourists continued to visit the Burj Khalifa, indicating that the Middle East’s commercial hub is not reeling directly from the conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel.
Aviation sector continues to see disruptions
Despite tourists claiming that cities in the Gulf have not witnessed any commotion on Monday, the aviation sector continues to be disrupted, with major airlines across the world cancelling or suspending their flights to and from the region.
According to a Reuters report, the airlin