In a startling declaration, a British man living in Dubai has stated he would rather face the threat of Iranian drone strikes than endure the rainy climate of the United Kingdom. Zach Cairns, 32, who relocated to the UAE six years ago, made the comments despite experiencing a missile incident behind his residence over the weekend.
Choosing Dubai Over London
Zach Cairns, originally from Portadown, cited exorbitant London rent prices and persistently dismal weather as the primary reasons for his move to Dubai. As the owner of Cairns & Co opticians, he has built a life in the city, where he estimates that 80% of his clientele are British or Irish nationals.
"I'd take drone strikes over 200 days of rain," Cairns asserted, highlighting his preference for the arid desert conditions despite recent security concerns. His remarks come in the wake of Iranian missile attacks that placed Dubai on red alert, causing unease among residents.
Missile Incident and Government Response
Over the weekend, Cairns reported hearing loud bangs and later witnessing interceptor missiles behind his home. "I was concerned and a bit uneasy; but not in fear," he described, acknowledging the gravity of the situation while maintaining composure.
He praised the UAE government for its effective communication during the crisis, noting that regular updates via social media and official channels helped reassure the public. "The Government here is good at keeping people up to date with messages. They take the safety of residents and tourists very seriously. I don't see any reason to panic particularly," Cairns explained.
Despite the tensions, he observed that daily life in Dubai largely continued as normal, with patients keeping appointments and social activities like Sunday roasts proceeding uninterrupted.
Contrasting Experiences Among British Expats
However, not all British residents in Dubai share Cairns' stoic outlook. Poppy Owen, a 34-year-old freelance creative marketing director from Bangor, described entering "panic mode" when her home shook from nearby explosions.
"When I drove home, I saw [the missile] in the sky behind my house in the desert. I couldn't believe my eyes," Owen recounted. "I just ran into the house to make sure my family were OK. I went into total shock, fear and filled with anxiety as to what was going to happen next."
Emergency Alerts and Ongoing Concerns
Owen received an emergency government alert around midnight, instructing residents to seek immediate shelter and avoid windows and open areas due to potential missile threats. She noted that while the situation has quietened, loud noises were heard in the early hours, and many remain fearful of the unknown.
"We're still hearing missiles. We don't know how long this is going to go on for," Owen said, adding that schools have been closed and families are staying indoors as a precaution. Her experience underscores the varied reactions among the British community in Dubai, with some managing daily routines while others grapple with heightened anxiety.
UK Government Response and Evacuation Efforts
In response to the escalating situation, UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper indicated that approximately 102,000 British nationals have registered their presence in the region, with an estimated total of 300,000 British citizens across Gulf countries targeted by Iran.
Sir Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, stated that the government is "looking at all options to support our people" in the Middle East. Evacuation efforts have begun, with Etihad Airways flight EY67 departing from Abu Dhabi to London's Heathrow Airport, carrying stranded UK nationals and expected to land at Terminal 4.
This incident highlights the complex dynamics faced by British expatriates in Dubai, balancing the allure of sunny skies and economic opportunities against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions and personal safety concerns.
