Indian woman in Abu Dhabi describes tense moments after explosions rock city

Explosions were reported in parts of Abu Dhabi on Saturday after escalating military tensions in the Middle East, following strikes on Iran by Israel and the United States. The sounds triggered concern among residents, many of whom turned to social media and neighbourhood groups for updates as uncertainty spread across the city.Speaking to HT.com, an Indian expatriate living in Abu Dhabi recalled the uneasy moments when loud noises were first heard.Shreelakshmi, who has been based in the UAE capital for several years, said residents were initially unsure what was happening."Around 1 PM, we heard what sounded like explosions, then a few more within the next hour. A neighbour came knocking on our door, visibly worried. Her husband, who works in a different area, had heard the same sounds and called her.

We didnt take it that seriously till we opened social media. Alot of our family/colleague groups alerted us not to step out of our houses."According to her, everyday plans quickly changed as people chose caution over routine."As of now nothing major has happened around us. We were actually planning to go out to buy groceries, but now not sure if we should even go. Roads look a bit deserted. Unsure if its because of the explosions or Ramazan fasting."

Reports suggest the incident followed Iran’s retaliatory actions after earlier military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel. Authorities in the United Arab Emirates later confirmed that the country’s air defence systems had intercepted ballistic missiles aimed at its territory.In a statement quoted by AFP, the UAE Ministry of Defence said the country had faced what it described as a “blatant attack” involving Iranian ballistic missiles, adding that air defence units responded effectively and neutralised several incoming threats.Officials also warned that the UAE “reserves its full right to respond”, calling the situation a serious and dangerous escalation in regional tensions.As a precaution, security advisories were issued soon after. The US Embassy in the UAE asked its personnel, including staff at the US Consulate in Dubai, to remain indoors and shelter in place. The embassy shared emergency contact numbers and urged American citizens to stay in secure locations while closely following official announcements.For many residents, the day unfolded with more questions than answers - a reminder of how quickly global conflicts can feel personal when uncertainty echoes close to home.