'It felt normal': UAE residents say Eid did not feel different amid regional conflict
Young Emiratis marked Eid prayers and family gatherings without disruption, even as UAE air defence systems remained active overhead, with residents describing the experience as one of calm continuity during a period of regional tension.On March 22, UAE air defence systems intercepted four ballistic missiles and 25 drones launched from Iran, according to official figures. Since February 28, authorities say the country has dealt with 345 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,773 drones.“It honestly felt like any other Eid,” Yousef Hakeem, a university student in Abu Dhabi, told Khaleej Times. “We went for prayer, met family, everything was the same. Even knowing what was happening, it didn't change the day.”Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp channels.UAE authorities confirmed that air defence systems remained operational throughout the Eid period, intercepting incoming threats as part of the country’s response to ongoing developments in the region. Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport ensured mosques and public spaces operated normally, with prayers and gatherings proceeding without disruption.For many residents, the experience was defined by how little had changed.“There was awareness, of course,” Yousef said. “But there was no confusion, no change in how things were done. Everything was organised, and that made a difference.”In Dubai, Omar Mustafa described a similar sense of normalcy during Eid celebrations.“We celebrated Eid exactly like we always do,” he told Khaleej Times. “You hear about interceptions, you know what's happening in the region, but on the ground, nothing felt different.”The continuity stood in contrast to the scale of events unfolding across the region, with state institutions maintaining full operations while defence systems worked in the background.“You expect something like this to affect the atmosphere,” Omar said. “But it didn't. The prayers were the same, the gatherings were the same. It felt normal.”On the second day of Eid, businessman Khalaf Al Habtoor shared his observations on social media, describing Dubai as continuing to offer “beauty, order, security and safety, and priceless peace of mind,” while expressing appreciation for the country’s leadership.Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport echoed similar messaging, stating that despite challenges, the capital “continues to rise—awakening to its familiar rhythm, alive with energy, progress and possibility.”For Yousef, that consistency reflected more than routine.“It's not just what happens,” he said. “It's how people experience it. Here, you experience calm.”Across the UAE, where more than 200 nationalities observe major occasions together, Eid maintained its familiar rhythm. Families attended prayers, visited relatives and celebrated in traditional ways while defence systems remained active overhead.“You realise a lot is happening behind the scenes,” Omar said. “But what reaches you is stability. That's what people remember.”Authorities said the attacks have resulted in the death of six civilians of Pakistani, Nepalese, Bangladeshi and Palestinian nationalities, along with the martyrdom of two members of the armed forces. A total of 160 people have been injured, including Emiratis and foreign nationals, with injuries ranging from minor to severe.Despite that, residents said the visible impact on daily life remained limited.“There was no moment where you felt unsure,” Yousef said. “Everything around you was steady.”Residents continue to reflect on the same point: the holiday unfolded as expected.“It wasn't an Eid defined by what was happening in the region,” Omar said. “It was defined by the fact that we could celebrate normally while being protected.”Eid across the UAE: Messages of unity and 'safe hands' notes mark celebrationsHeavy rains, Mother's Day: How UAE residents spent second holiday of Eid Al Fitr
Young Emiratis marked Eid prayers and family gatherings without disruption, even as UAE air defence systems remained active overhead, with residents describing the experience as one of calm continuity during a period of regional tension.
On March 22, UAE air defence systems intercepted four ballistic missiles and 25 drones launched from Iran, according to official figures. Since February 28, authorities say the country has dealt with 345 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,773 drones.
“It honestly felt like any other Eid,” Yousef Hakeem, a university student in Abu Dhabi, told Khaleej Times. “We went for prayer, met family, everything was the same. Even knowing what was happening, it didn't change the day.”
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp channels.
UAE authorities confirmed that air defence systems remained operational throughout the Eid period, intercepting incoming threats as part of the country’s response to ongoing developments in the region. Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport ensured mosques and public spaces operated normally, with prayers and gatherings proceeding without disruption.
For many residents, the experience was defined by how little had changed.
“There was awareness, of course,” Yousef said. “But there was no confusion, no change in how things were done. Everything was organised, and that made a difference.”
In Dubai, Omar Mustafa described a similar sense of normalcy during Eid celebrations.
“We celebrated Eid exactly like we always do,” he told Khaleej Times. “You hear about interceptions, you know what's happening in the region, but on the ground, nothing felt different.”
The continuity stood in contrast to the scale of events unfolding across the region, with state institutions maintaining full operations while defence systems worked in the background.
“You expect something like this to affect the atmosphere,” Omar said. “But it didn't. The prayers were the same, the gatherings were the same. It felt normal.”
On the second day of Eid, businessman Khalaf Al Habtoor shared his observations on social media, describing Dubai as continuing to offer “beauty, order, security and safety, and priceless peace of mind,” while expressing appreciation for the country’s leadership.
Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport echoed similar messaging, stating that despite challenges, the capital “continues to rise—awakening to its familiar rhythm, alive with energy, progress and possibility.”
For Yousef, that consistency reflected more than routine.
“It's not just what happens,” he said. “It's how people experience it. Here, you experience calm.”
Across the UAE, where more than 200 nationalities observe major occasions together, Eid maintained its familiar rhythm. Families attended prayers, visited relatives and celebrated in traditional ways while defence systems remained active overhead.
“You realise a lot is happening behind the scenes,” Omar said. “But what reaches you is stability. That's what people remember.”
Authorities said the attacks have resulted in the death of six civilians of Pakistani, Nepalese, Bangladeshi and Palestinian nationalities, along with the martyrdom of two members of the armed forces. A total of 160 people have been injured, including Emiratis and foreign nationals, with injuries ranging from minor to severe.
Despite that, residents said the visible impact on daily life remained limited.
“There was no moment where you felt unsure,” Yousef said. “Everything around you was steady.”
Residents continue to reflect on the same point: the holiday unfolded as expected.
“It wasn't an Eid defined by what was happening in the region,” Omar said. “It was defined by the fact that we could celebrate normally while being protected.”
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