‘FRIGHTENING’;Safe so far but Westmeath’s Gulf residents assess danger

Eilís Ryan

Westmeath people living in the Middle East have described fear, sleepless nights and a sense of being “almost trapped” after missiles and drones were intercepted over the weekend as regional tensions escalated sharply.

Mullingar woman Fiona Mee, who has been working as a journalist in the region for two years, said she had just two hours’ sleep on Saturday night as blasts rang out in Dubai, where she lives.

“It was incredibly loud. There were loud booms in the air – the blasts from the missiles being intercepted by the UAE defence systems. Jets were up very quickly as well.”

Based in the United Arab Emirates for the last two years, where she works with Sky News and international broadcasters including CNN, Fiona said that while media organisations had been aware of rising tensions between the United States and Iran, many ordinary residents had not anticipated the scale of what unfolded.

Abu Dhabi was targeted first around midday on Saturday, she said, and over Dubai missiles were intercepted less than an hour later. Saturday was “arguably the most intense day”, although Sunday night was somewhat quieter.

Ms Mee has been broadcasting live from her balcony alongside Sky News correspondent Sally Lockwood, field-producing coverage as the UAE government enforced work-from-home orders for public and private sectors and moved schools online.

“It’s surreal,” she said. “You’re reporting on missiles being intercepted over your own city.”

She said there had been some limited panic buying initially, but retailers moved quickly to reassure the public. Embassies, including the Irish Embassy in Abu Dhabi, urged citizens to remain indoors and follow official guidance.

While she admits to feeling somewhat desensitised due to her experience as an international journalist, she said the situation had come as a shock in a country that prides itself on safety and stability.

Further west in Doha, Anthony Kearney from Ballymore and his wife Eimear Tuohy from Windmill Lawns, Moate, experienced a similarly dramatic weekend.

The couple, who live in Qatar with their three children – Finn (18), Mae (15) and Aoibh (11) – said life had been “a really lovely environment” up to recent months.

“We never had any concerns here up to nine months ago, and it was very safe,” said Anthony.

That changed at the weekend.

“It was frightening,” he said. “There was a lot of uncertainty; we didn’t know what was happening. They were really loud and you could feel the windows and doors shaking. You could see the missiles in the sky.”

Anthony works as a nurse in the paediatric emergency department at Sidra Medicine hospital in Doha, while Eimear is a teaching assistant in a local school. Concerned that the financial district where they live might be a potential target, the family left their apartment and stayed with friends further away for two nights. They were preparing to return home on Monday.

By then, Anthony said residents were reluctantly becoming accustomed to the sound of interceptions overhead. Qatar’s anti-missile defence system has proven highly effective, successfully intercepting almost all incoming weapons.

Still, the halting of flights left many feeling uneasy. “It means you feel almost trapped,” he said.

There is no Irish embassy in Qatar, but Irish citizens are advised through the embassy in Abu Dhabi, which covers the region. Messages have been issued urging Irish residents to register their presence, while the Qatari government has sent regular alerts directly to residents’ phones.

As in the UAE, workers who can operate remotely have been instructed to work from home, and schools have shifted to online learning.

There is a considerable Irish community in Qatar. “There are maybe 2,500-3,000,” says Anthony, adding that there is a great network among the Irish there, and there is a strong GAA Club.

Among those watching developments closely from home was former minister Willie Penrose, from Ballynacargy, whose daughter Deirdre is teaching in Dubai.

“I was always concerned. I could see developments unfolding and I’d be talking to her about being wary of the situation,” he said. “The world is in a very uneasy, volatile phase now. Things can happen overnight.”

Deirdre, who was back in Ireland from the United Arab Emirates over Christmas, has been instructed to teach from home until further notice. Residents have been advised to remain indoors, and public and private sector workers have been instructed to work from home.

“She’s very aware and alert to world developments,” Mr Penrose said. “She doesn’t panic. She’s cool about these things, but naturally she’s cautious.”

He said his daughter had been particularly mindful of regional tensions since previous outbreaks of hostilities last year, and is carefully following official guidance.

“She’ll have her hand firmly on the pulse,” he added. “She keeps herself informed and will follow whatever advice is given.”

Back in Dubai, Ms Mee said friends and contacts from Ireland had been in touch seeking reassurance.

“The advice is just follow what the embassies are saying – stay home and shelter,” she said. “Stay informed and follow the guidance.”