Middle East conflict: Kiwi describes explosions as Iran strikes Abu Dhabi in retaliation

A New Zealander living in Abu Dhabi was playing golf when Iranian retaliation attacks began on the city, hearing “a series of real loud explosions” while on the course.

Tehran launched waves of reprisal attacks on several countries in the Middle East overnight, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), following US and Israeli strikes on its territory yesterday.

A Kiwi who lives in Abu Dhabi told the Herald he was playing golf just before 1pm (local time) when the first strikes hit the country’s capital.

“We heard a series of real loud explosions.”

Large pillars of smoke could be seen rising near the nearby military base, the New Zealander, who did not want to be named, said.

Minutes later, he could hear more explosions and then saw air defence missiles being launched to counter incoming attacks.

Iranian drone and missile attacks continued throughout the day and into the night, being met with UAE defences, he said.

Debris from intercepted attacks had fallen in suburbs near where he lives.

He saw defence missiles streaking into the sky and detonating when they struck incoming drones and projectiles.

“A lot of the buildings, the windows are rattling with the sound of the explosion and the vibration [of] the sound waves.”

Many shops are closed, and some people have begun panic buying items, he said.

The city streets, usually bustling with life during Ramadan nights, are “eerily quiet”, although some people are still out.

He feels safe in the city, and others he’s talked to feel the same, but are aware of their surroundings and making sure their families are okay.

“Abu Dhabi’s the safest city in the world ... the chances of anything happening from one of these things [debris] that comes down is so minimal.

“We are very well protected here, which is evident by all the air defence capabilities that are around the city.”

His daughter, whom he called as soon as the first explosions went off, is safe, he said.

Authorities have constantly been sending phone alerts about potential missile threats.

“Quite often, you’d get those alerts on the phones and then a few minutes later, you’d hear the old explosions happening up in the sky.”

After hearing of the US-backed Israeli attack in Iran, he suspected the UAE would be targeted because of the US forces based in the country.

Disruption and reaction

New Zealand Ambassador to the UAE, Dr Richard Kay, advised Kiwis in the country to “shelter in place, stay indoors, follow local authorities, and avoid unnecessary travel”.

Flights to and from the Middle East may be delayed or cancelled because of the unfolding situation, Auckland Airport told the Herald.

“Travellers should check with their airline for the latest updates on their flight.

“At this stage one flight to the region from Auckland Airport has been cancelled and one is returning to Auckland following take off.”

Much of the Middle East’s airspace is shut down, with at least eight states having declared their airspace closed, including Iran, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and the UAE, Al Jazeera reports.