The situation in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has somewhat stabilized, but ongoing military strikes in the region are severely impacting citizen safety and repatriation efforts. Local air defense systems have successfully intercepted Iranian missiles mid-air, with no damage to populated areas reported, yet those on short-term trips face the risk of being stranded due to flight cancellations. This highlights how military conflicts are expanding even into countries previously seen as symbols of safe tourism and stability in the Middle East.
Journalists from Kun.uz spoke with Uzbek nationals residing in Qatar, the UAE, and Israel. According to Akhrorbek Nematjonov, working in Doha, explosions were observed in the sky during air attacks, and no one can guarantee that nothing will happen. He expressed concerns over his safety and a desire to return to Uzbekistan. Hotels have prepared basement shelters with water, tables, and medical supplies for emergencies, but such measures are lacking in dormitories. Nematjonov is attempting to contact the embassy and hopes Uzbekistan will send planes for evacuation.
Another citizen, Ilyosbek Mukhiddinov, reported that the Qatari government frequently sends warnings to the public urging adherence to safety measures. He noted that hotels have set up tables, chairs, and toys for guests in basement parking areas, the government has canceled all events, and many restaurants are closed. Mukhiddinov added that accounting and HR departments in hotels have shifted to remote work, and he himself works as a phone operator on a shift basis. He emphasized that Qatar's air defense system is performing very well, with fewer explosions compared to other countries. The Uzbek embassy has opened a Telegram group to register those interested in possible evacuation, and Mukhiddinov plans to return once the situation improves.
In Dubai, the situation is similar to Doha, but according to Azizbek Ochilov, the initial panic has subsided, and people are calmly going to work. He stated that the UAE's air defense system excellently repels attacks, with no missiles or drones landing, only debris falling. Ochilov suggested that Iran has no serious hostility towards the UAE, and this is done formally due to its partnership with the American regime, so he is not worried. However, he mentioned that his family in Uzbekistan, seeing videos online, is more concerned. Airlines UzAirways, Centrum Air, and Qanot Sharq announced a phased resumption of flights on the Tashkent–Dubai–Tashkent route starting March 4, but cancellations persist, limiting citizens' ability to return safely.
Source: kun.uz