Irish teacher in Dubai describes walls shaking after interception of missiles from Iran

An Irish teacher in Dubai said the walls of his flat shook after he heard “massive bangs” in the sky above him earlier on Saturday.

The bangs appeared to be interceptor missiles neutralising Iranian ballistic missiles heading for military bases in the United Arab Emirates.

UAE authorities reported attacks in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi and said their defence systems had intercepted a number of Iranian ballistic missiles.

Iran has fired missiles at US military bases and assets across several Middle East countries, including Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Iraq, in retaliation for a US and Israeli military assault on the country.

The teacher, who asked not to be named, said Irish people were “naturally panicking a bit” after hearing the explosions and seeing videos “flooding” their phones.

An estimated 12,000 Irish people live and work in the UAE, with up to half employed in teaching.

The teacher said: “I was in the flat there were massive bangs – the walls were shaking and everything. I thought it was over and then news came through about what happened.

“I was in another person’s house after and missiles were being intercepted directly above our heads, multiple explosions at a time.”

He said they later received reports that a large area in Dubai known as ‘The Palm’ had been evacuated after a missile was intercepted directly above it.

Local footage also captured the moment a missile struck the ground in the ‘The Palm’ area near large apartment blocks.

“Videos are flooding in so, naturally, people are panicking a bit,” the teacher said.

He said the Irish Embassy in the UAE had posted messages on Instagram and that the school where he works had sent emails.

“The advice is to stay at home,” he said.

In a post on social media, the Irish embassy in the UAE said: “Given the deterioration of the security situation in the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, Irish citizens are advised to shelter in place, avoid unnecessary movement. follow the advice of the local authorities. Irish citizens are advised to avoid military and security force installations.

“The Embassy is also aware that UAE, Kuwaiti, and Qatari airspace has been temporarily closed. Citizens affected are advised to liaise directly with their airlines and follow the guidance provided. We will share any updates as more information becomes available.