Despite missile attacks, life goes on in UAE, ambassador insists

Life in the United Arab Emirates is carrying on as normal, despite the “unprovoked Iranian aggression,” according to the country’s ambassador to Malta.

Speaking by phone from Rome, where the embassy is based, Abdulla AlSubousi insisted that the UAE, particularly its commercial hub Dubai, was standing strong in the face of Iranian attacks.

Dubai, often seen as a playground for the wealthy and a safe haven in the midst of one of the world’s most politically turbulent regions, was drawn into the conflict when Iran began attacking its neighbouring Gulf states in retaliation for US and Israeli attacks.

“Iran has launched an unlawful and aggressive projectile attack with missiles and drones,” AlSubousi said, thanking Malta for being one of 128 countries that “showed their support and condemnation for Iran’s aggression”.

Ultimately, what lies ahead in the war is “up to Iran and its people,” AlSubousi said. However, “UAE has the right to defend its sovereignty and its people,” he added.

The attacks did bring some disruption, AlSubousi admits, describing the country as “in a state of self-defence in the face of unprovoked aggression”.

Life is normal, people go to work and students attend school remotely

Nevertheless, he insists “life is normal, people go to work and students attend school remotely”.

With Dubai home to an estimated 1,500 Maltese, AlSubousi says “the situation for Maltese on the ground is relatively normal. Essential services are available, banks are open, food security is ensured. Everyday life continues”.

AlSubousi puts this down to UAE’s robust air defence, with the Ministry of Defence saying it had intercepted 338 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,740 drones since fighting began in late February.

“The vast majority of these threats were successfully intercepted. Our defence system is very sophisticated and has been able to intercept most of these attacks,” AlSubousi said.

AlSubousi said it was “alarming” that many of the attacks targeted civilian infrastructure, including hotels.

'Dubai airport back to 60% capacity'

He insisted that even Dubai airport, which was temporarily shut down after a drone strike on March 16, was rapidly returning to its regular schedule.

“Dubai airport was back to 60% capacity, with 48 flights per hour by mid-March,” AlSubousi said. Over 1.4 million people have travelled through the airport since March 1.

However, AlSubousi pushed back against the suggestion, made by some local hoteliers, that tourists planning trips to the Gulf had changed their plans, with some rerouting to Malta.

“I haven’t observed this, to be honest with you,” AlSubousi said. “There were some interruptions, so people in the UAE were offered all the necessary assurances to travel back to their country. But I’m not sure about that.”

Likewise, AlSubousi insists that UAE’s future as an investment hub remains as strong as ever.

“Behind UAE’s success is its capacity to observe any geopolitical and economic pressure,” he said.

It’s not the first time we were attacked

“In this regard, there’s no change to investment plans or long-term economic priorities”.

AlSubousi said he is still in regular contact with several companies, including Italian businesses, looking to invest in the UAE.

He also brushes aside the suggestion that the conflict will have a lasting impact on the country’s reputation as a safe haven for investors.

“It’s not the first time we were attacked,” he said. “Our region unfortunately has many challenges, but we have remained safe, secure and well-protected.”

AlSubousi says the country’s economic prospects remain healthy, with GDP growth projected at 5%.

'Our financial sector is strong'

“Our financial sector is strong, while market stability and service continuity are our top priority. That’s why I’m not worried,” he said.

“We have come out stronger from other challenges and this is definitely no different. We will overcome this,” he insisted.

However, AlSubousi was more reticent when asked about a controversial law which could lead to influencers facing jail time and deportation if they film or post content related to Iranian attacks on the country.

“This has to do with protecting from future attacks and giving valuable information the enemy can use,” AlSubousi said, describing the laws as “procedures introduced to prevent Iranians from assessing how successful” any attacks may have been.

His reply to a follow-up question is cut short by an abruptly delivering news of an urgent call.