Chaos in Doha After Israel Strikes Target Hamas Leaders – UAE Residents React
Scenes of panic unfolded in Qatar on Tuesday evening as Israel launched airstrikes targeting Hamas leaders in the capital city of Doha. Videos widely shared on social media showed residents running for safety while thick black smoke filled the skyline.
Several UAE residents with family in Qatar described the terrifying moments when the explosions were felt. Reem, a Dubai resident, told Khaleej Times that her relatives in Al Gharafa felt the ground shake beneath them during the blasts. “My cousin said the whole house shook from the explosion,” she explained, adding that her family is safe since they live far from The Pearl area, where the strike took place.
According to Qatar News Agency, security forces, civil defence teams, and emergency responders quickly moved to contain the aftermath and ensure public safety.
Impact on Daily Life in Doha
The strikes caused chaos in the city during a busy afternoon. The US Embassy in Qatar issued a warning urging American citizens to shelter in place. Parents rushed to pick up their children from schools, with many caught in traffic jams across central Doha.
Ruchi Saxena, a Doha resident and parent, described the fear: “It was very scary. People were rushing to collect their children and get home as quickly as possible. Explosions in the heart of the city left the whole community on edge.” She added that families living near West Bay felt their houses shake, initially mistaking the tremors for an earthquake until news alerts confirmed the strikes.
Another long-term resident, Filipino expat Pat Garido, said the blasts were heard across Doha near Ramada Signal as schools were dismissing students. “Parents immediately contacted schools, but there were no emergency sirens or alerts on phones. People had to rely on social media for information,” he said.
Rising Panic Among Residents
Mariam, a PR executive working at Palm Tower in West Bay, recounted hearing two loud explosions back-to-back as she prepared to leave work. “At first, we thought it was a car accident or construction work. But when smoke was seen coming from The Pearl, panic spread across the office building,” she said.
Other residents also spoke of confusion and fear as people poured into the streets seeking answers. Some compared the scenes to past incidents, such as the Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ strike on Al Udeid Air Base in June 2023, which briefly shut down Qatar’s airspace.
Even residents living further away in areas like Dhukkan reported feeling uneasy. Sumi, a Qatari resident, said she and her husband decided to stock up on groceries. “We don’t know what will happen next, so we just want to be prepared,” she said.
What This Means for the UAE
The strikes in Doha are being closely followed by residents in Dubai and across the UAE, where many have family and business ties to Qatar. The escalating regional tensions are expected to impact safe-haven assets like gold prices in Dubai, which have already been trading near record highs.
With instability rising in the Gulf region, UAE residents are expressing concern for safety while keeping an eye on the economic ripple effects that such events could have on Dubai’s financial markets, travel sector, and regional trade.
Source : Khaleejtimes
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