Families across coastal Karnataka are gripped by concern as rising tensions in parts of the Middle East create uncertainty for loved ones working in Gulf countries. While expatriates say they are safe for now, constant updates and online messages have left relatives back home deeply worried.

Asiya, 56, from Laila in Dakshina Kannada, spent anxious hours praying for her two children employed in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain after news of fresh hostilities surfaced. Relief came only after they called to assure her that they were far from affected areas. “I was terrified when I first heard the news. I felt at peace only after speaking to them,” she said.

Hameed B, who recently sent his son to Dubai for work, shared similar fears. Though his son remains safe, he said the steady stream of alarming messages circulating on social media keeps the family on edge.

Expats Say Daily Life Mostly Normal

Indian workers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and parts of Saudi Arabia say daily life in residential areas continues largely as usual, despite heightened security measures and periodic alerts.

Imran Khan, originally from Ujire and working in Dubai, said commercial hubs remain functional. “There have been alerts and loud interceptions at night, but overall the situation in our area is under control,” he noted, adding that business activity may still face setbacks if tensions persist.

In Bahrain, residents reported precautionary advisories near certain sensitive installations. However, expatriates say there have been no confirmed reports of Indian casualties so far.

Badruddin Azman, an HR professional in Dubai, said local authorities regularly issue safety instructions when missile threats are detected. “We are advised to stay indoors during alerts. The bigger challenge is calming our families back home, where misinformation spreads quickly through WhatsApp groups,” he said.

Authorities have also cited safety concerns from falling debris after interceptions. Schools in some areas have temporarily shifted to remote learning as a precaution.

Sirens and Sleepless Nights

Some residents near Abu Dhabi described tense moments when warning sirens sounded late at night. “We rushed indoors when we heard the alerts. It was frightening, but thankfully residential areas have not been directly targeted,” said one expatriate worker. Many described sleepless nights due to loud explosions caused by defensive interceptions.

Workers in Saudi Arabia also reported heightened caution but said major cities remain stable, despite unverified reports circulating online.

Travel Plans in Limbo

Airspace closures and flight disruptions have added to the uncertainty. Several travellers from Karnataka remain stranded or unable to return to their workplaces in the Gulf.

Deendayal Shetty, who was scheduled to travel back to Dubai from Bengaluru this week, said he is unsure when flights will resume. “Everything is uncertain right now. We are waiting for clarity,” he said.

For now, families in coastal Karnataka continue to stay in close contact with their loved ones abroad, hoping the tensions subside quickly and normalcy fully returns.