Every time the siren sounds, people look skyward in fear

The televised images of missiles and drones being intercepted mid-air in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha and Tel Aviv may appear like Diwali fireworks in the sky. But for those living in these cities, it is as frightening as a bomb explosion. Each time a missile is intercepted, and it explodes in the sky, houses shake, and doors and windows rattle. It is an extremely unnerving experience.I live in a place called Baniyas East in Abu Dhabi, which is not far from Zayed International Airport, also known as Abu Dhabi International Airport. What makes this place vulnerable is its proximity to Al Dhafra Air Base, which has a substantial US Air Force presence. Behind the air base is China Camp, a place where migrant labourers are put up. With Iranian drones and missiles targeting this air base, it is always a threat. Some debris, possibly from an intercepted drone or missile, fell on the rear side of the Indian school.
Since last Saturday, when Iran launched counterstrikes in response to the attacks by the US and Israel, we have been on tenterhooks. The airspaces were forced to shut down, triggering major disruption in flights between the East and the West.Apparently, major cities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, functioned almost normally after the initial jolt when Iran struck back. People are going to work as usual. But it is different for me, as my workplace is at the airport, where flights were suspended until Thursday, when limited operations resumed.But when you look at the marketplaces in the evening after the Ramzan fast ends, you get to feel the difference. The evenings are usually very vibrant, with people thronging the streets. But it is very different this year, with deserted streets.Every time the siren sounds, people look skyward in fear. Shops are open, but there are not as many customers. Local authorities have urged everyone to maintain caution and stay indoors. I am managing, but for many, the tension is becoming overbearing.A friend, who has a one-month-old daughter, is contemplating sending his family back to India via Muscat, as airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are vulnerable to attack.The trip to Muscat to take the Oman Air flight is also fraught with danger. There are buses from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman to the Al Jubail Bus Station in Mowasalat. But the journey across the highway is hazardous, as it runs through vast empty tracts of land with no cover.(S Roy, who hails from Birati and has been living and working in Abu Dhabi for the past two years, spoke to Subhro Niyogi)