British expats living in the Middle East have described a 'constant state of anxiety' as missile strikes and drone attacks linked to the US-Israel conflict with Iran disrupt daily life. Some families have taken shelter in underground car parks, while others face empty supermarket shelves and cancelled flights.
Frankie, a 37-year-old education worker from Leeds, has been living with her husband and three young children in the underground car park of their apartment building in Muharraq, Bahrain, since Saturday's attack. 'We have been sleeping on the floor and trying to keep our children occupied as we hear sirens and explosions,' she said. The family has stocked up on food and registered with the embassy, but flights have been cancelled, leaving them feeling trapped.
In Dubai, Lucy, 45, from the Midlands, said supermarket shelves were cleared within hours of the attack on Iran. 'There was no pasta, no milk and the meat aisle was empty,' she said. Living near an airbase, her youngest son wears noise-cancelling earphones to cope with the constant interceptions. 'We have a grab bag by the door just in case,' she added, though she feels staying is safer than being in transit.
Saif, a 40-year-old museum professional from Manchester, was stranded in Dubai with his parents and son after the attacks. He travelled 18 hours by coach back to Riyadh, but his family remains in Dubai due to his mother's health issues. 'Dubai was very calm when I left, but you can feel the vibrations,' he said, adding that fares have increased and he is waiting to see how things develop.
Dubai Airports announced limited flights would resume on Monday evening after three days of cancellations. However, many expats remain uncertain about their next steps, with some considering leaving the region while others are determined to stay in what they consider their home.
