“The Beach Was So Crowded”: S’porean Stranded In Dubai Shows Life There After US-Iran Conflict Air Strikes; Acknowledges “There’s Some Fear”

Following the US-Israel strikes on Iran on Feb 28, travellers in the Middle East have had their travel plans disrupted, with the airspace closed and flights cancelled. Among them is Singaporean NSF Dylan Tan, who was in Dubai for a holiday with his family and has been posting regular daily updates on what life in Dubai has been like since Mar 1. 

While flights have been disrupted and travel advisories have been issued, Dylan's Instagram updates show that it feels surprisingly calm on the ground in Dubai. 

“Currently 8pm here in Dubai, the streets are definitely quieter, and the malls are a lot quieter than when we first came. There is honestly not much panic, there is no panic. To be honest, life here feels normal,” he said.

“I’m sure there is some fear, but it comes more from the uncertainty my family has no flight to catch on to go back to Singapore, other than that, I feel safe. Dubai has done an amazing job at intercepting the missiles, and all is well so far, we just took a cab just now, everything felt normal, the beach was so crowded,” Dylan added.

All Singapore Airlines flights between Singapore and Dubai are cancelled through March 7. Emirates has also cancelled 90 per cent of their flights including from Dubai to Singapore.

In Dylan’s videos, beachgoers can also be seen sunbathing, tourists strolling along the coast, while Dylan zips around on an e-scooter.

On Monday (Mar 2), he even posted about relaxing by the hotel pool, joking about a minor inconvenience.

“The problem is they have run out of towels, so we have to wait,” he quipped.

Still, Dylan acknowledged there are reminders that the region is on edge.

“I did hear a fighter jet in the distance but that’s protection and yeah, we will be heading to the beach later, all chill, all is good and thanks for all the well wishes and we are all okay," he said. 

8days.sg has reached out Dylan for more information.

Other social media clips appear to support his observations. TikToker MaKiMaki posted a video of the Dubai Fountain still going ahead with its light show, ironically playing the Adele hit, ‘Skyfall’.

However, this is not the case across all areas in Dubai.

Luxury hotel Fairmont The Palm was reportedly struck by a large explosion that caused fires and injured four people. Iconic landmark Burj Al Arab also sustained a minor fire on its outer facade due to intercepted drone debris.

Authorities have sent text alerts urging residents to remain indoors and take shelter in basements during active warnings. Reports of panic buying have surfaced, with supermarkets experiencing shortages of essentials such as bread and meat.

As of March 3, Singapore has issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for parts of the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates, amid escalating military tensions.

Singaporeans currently in Dubai are strongly advised to remain indoors during alerts, avoid large gatherings, identify the nearest safe shelter, and immediately eRegister with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to receive emergency updates.

Photos: dylantanofficial/IG, MaKiMaki/TikTok