A SOMERSET couple living in Dubai have spoken about the “very scary” situation in the Middle East after the US and Israel started military action against Iran.

In retaliation to the strikes, Iran has fired missiles and drones at a range of nations in the region, including the UAE and Dubai, as well as the likes of Bahrain and even Cyprus, prompting a military response from the UK.

Thousands of ex-pats in Dubai were shocked when the conflict spread to the area, with Cary Fitzpaine native Joanna Sharp and husband Henry, from Shapwick, among them.

The couple have lived in Dubai for more than three years, due to Henry’s work as a ship broker, and Joanna said they got a stark indication things had escalated after her husband spotted unusual objects in the sky as he was driving.

“I was with a friend at my apartment in the morning when the news broke that the US and Israel had targeted Iran,” she said.

“My husband was on his way back from a desert camping trip when he saw a couple of missiles in the sky, but neither of us were fully aware of what was going on at that point.”

Joanna and Henry live in the Dubai Hills area

Then, videos of missiles being intercepted overhead brought the harsh reality home, Joanna said, adding: “The fact it was heading our way really became clear when friends of ours sent us videos from their garden showing missiles in the sky above. People were sitting in the pub filming the missiles – it was all very surreal.”

On Saturday, an Iranian missile was shot down over Dubai, causing damage to the Fairmont Hotel, with a friend of the Somerset couple on the scene.

“When it really hit home was when another friend of ours sent us a video of the Fairmont Hotel being hit, he was right outside when it happened which was really scary,” she went on.

“Then, as the evening went on we were hearing loud explosions and we watched a missile being intercepted right above our heads – it then started getting very scary.

“Seeing things on the news from that evening of the airport getting hit and also the Burj Al Arab was when we realised this is getting serious.”

In the aftermath of the attacks, Joanna said the streets became much quieter, as people sheltered in place and worked from home.

“We have packed an emergency bag full of essentials that we can grab and go should we need to leave in a hurry,” she said. “Lots of people have also been sleeping in the basement car parks or in the corridors of their homes away from the windows at night.

“I must admit, attempting to set up camp in the corridor was a first for us.

“We have been advised to stay indoors as much as possible but the shops and pubs/restaurants are still open.”
By Wednesday, she said residents had “only heard one loud boom in the last 24 hours”, easing tension in the area.

“I can see from my window that there’s now people playing golf outside and people are going for walks, which is reassuring that things are hopefully moving in the right direction,” Joanna added.

“What we are incredibly impressed and reassured by is the capabilities of the air defence system here in the UAE.

“Since the beginning of the Iranian attack, the UAE has successfully destroyed over 170 missiles and over 800 drones which is amazing – they’ve intercepted pretty much everything that has come our way.

“We really do feel so well protected and safe here. We have such respect for the leaders of the UAE and their ability to defend us and to provide us with a sense of security during these incredibly unsettling times.

“I can hear fighter jets above meaning military forces are actively patrolling and protecting the airspace and there are many people going about their daily business due to this protection.”

The Fairmont hotel in Dubai was hit during military action in Iran and across the Middle East

But the Somerset native said she – and friends – were considering trips home in a bid to avoid any potential escalation.

“There is still, of course, a sense of fear as we obviously would not like this to escalate any further, and watching missiles being intercepted isn’t your average everyday activity,” Joanna said.

“A lot of people would like to find a way to get home once we have been advised that it is safe to do so, just until tensions in the Middle East have eased.

“I admit I have been heavily anxious during this time but Henry is having a slightly different experience to me – he has been far more laid back and preventing him from walking outside to the local pub has been a challenge.

“We are all having different experiences, some more relaxed than others. I think how each person copes in a time of crisis is very personal.”

She said residents were trying to “carry on as best as we can” amid the continuing conflict, which is now over a week long, with the US suffering seven casualties as your Leveller went to press, with thousands reported in Iran.

But Joanna’s thoughts are often thousands of miles from the troubling situation – in the safety and solitude of Somerset.

“Myself and many of my friends do have the feeling that we would like to get home as soon as it’s safe to,” she added.

“I am such a homebird and have a strong desire to go home a lot anyway, whereas my husband is happy to stay unless he is instructed by the government to leave.

“As you can probably tell we are having slightly differing experiences.

“The bottom line is we are incredibly well protected over here and we are safe. The UAE government is doing a fantastic job at defending us and because of that we really do feel a sense of ease despite what is going on around us.”

The couple are due to return to the UK today (Wednesday), when Joanna said she was looking forward to being able to “cuddle our dog and have a pint of beer at the Red Lion”.

Joanna is keen to return to The Red Lion, in Babcary, for a pint…

READ MORE: South Somerset news from your Leveller