'We didn't sleep, we were so scared': Terrified Irish people living in Dubai
Eva Osborne
Hostilities in the Middle East are entering their third day, with the US and Israel continuing to strike Iran following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The UAE is home to one of Ireland's largest diasporas per capita, with an estimated 14,000 Irish nationals residing in the country, many of whom live in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The UAE Irish embassy has advised Irish citizens to shelter in place, avoid unnecessary movement and follow the advice of local authorities given the deterioration of the security situation in the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait.
Cork woman Krystal O'Connor, who is stuck in the basement of a hotel in Dubai, has said it is a terrifying situation, and that she can still hear explosions.
"We have a room but I haven't stayed there yet. We've been sleeping downstairs in the basement on mattresses," she said.
"Well, we had chairs the other night, we just slept on chairs. We didn't even sleep because we were just so scared.
"And then the hotel management got us mattresses and we can still hear them going off."
Megan O'Sullivan, also from Cork and living in Dubai, said her whole family is living on edge as fighter jets intercepting missiles fly above their home.
"I have a little boy who is actually going to be nine tomorrow and I suppose he's a little bit more attuned so you know at the start you're saying it's fireworks but then there comes a point when you do have to have a little conversation because they're more in tune," she said.
"And I mean we just said look these are keeping us safe like that bang, he was frightend of course as were we, but this is what's keeping us safe. They are protecting us, they are minding us."
Taking to Instagram, Irish influencer living in Dubai, Jessie Willis, said: "I slept really well last night thank god! There are some bangs this morning but we're not hearing them where I am, it's quite windy so sound is travelling away from us.
"I feel much better today. I never knew the UAE had such a strong defence system and I do feel very reassured that they're in control of it all.
"I'm still staying indoors, just bringing these two [her dogs] out for quick pee breaks. They're doing so well, totally oblivious to it.
"A lot of people are continuing on as normal and out about which is reassuring but for me personally I feel safe indoors.
"Praying for those in Lebanon today who are being struck and all those in countries who deal with this everyday with no defence systems this has given us all so much perspective. We are so so lucky to have the leadership we have in UAE."
