Vietnamese in UAE hopeful for swift Middle East stability

Community remains calm and united despite regional tensions

Mina Tran, Founder and CEO of Mina Prime Properties in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, shared that in recent days, following the escalation of conflict between Iran and the US–Israel alliance, the UAE has recorded missile and UAV attacks targeting the Gulf region. Most missiles were successfully intercepted by the UAE’s air defence systems, though some debris caused damage in certain areas.

Despite these incidents, infrastructure, public services, and the economy in the UAE continue to operate normally. Shops, restaurants, businesses, construction sites, and shopping centres remain open, with the government maintaining tight control over information and security. Dubai Mall is still attracting large crowds, and the Dubai Fountain show continues daily to welcome tourists.

“One week since the conflict broke out, life for my family as well as most of the Vietnamese community in the UAE remains relatively stable. The UAE has a very tight management and crisis response system, so even with regional tensions, daily activities, business, and work in Dubai or Abu Dhabi have generally continued as normal,” Mina Tran said.

She noted that the biggest impact on residents and the international community in the early days was anxiety. Temporary measures included emergency alerts, stay-at-home advisories, and flight adjustments. Like many Vietnamese citizens in the UAE, Mina Tran has been following the news more closely, particularly regarding updates on flight routes due to temporary airspace closures.

She praised the Vietnamese Embassy in the UAE for its proactive role in citizen protection, issuing advisories to limit unnecessary travel, updating information via community channels such as Facebook and WhatsApp, and maintaining a hotline for support.

At the same time, the Embassy has reviewed and prepared protection and evacuation plans in case of emergencies. In addition, the Embassy has allowed citizens to register for assistance, helping the community feel reassured.

Embassy guidance helps ease anxiety among Vietnamese residents

Recounting the early days of the conflict, Vu Van Tung, who has lived and worked in Dubai for over 11 years, recalled that at noon on February 28, local media reported Iran’s attack on Abu Dhabi, about 130 km from Dubai, causing widespread concern. By the afternoon, Dubai also became a target. UAE authorities quickly deployed defensive measures and successfully intercepted the attacks, preventing significant damage to residential areas.

That same afternoon, the airspace over Dubai and Abu Dhabi was temporarily closed, leading to flight cancellations and delays, leaving some tourists stranded. By March 1, sporadic explosions from interception activities could still be heard, but security remained tight and residential areas were unaffected. From March 2 onwards, shopping centres, restaurants, offices, and beaches have been gradually returning to normal operations.

Tung said that ahead of tense regional developments related to conflict and military activities starting from the morning of February 28, the Vietnamese Embassy advised Vietnamese citizens to limit unnecessary movement during alert periods and prepare self-protection plans as needed at safe locations in homes and workplaces. At the same time, everyone should closely monitor information from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, official media, and Vietnamese Embassy channels. Most importantly, they are advised to always keep communication devices operational, check and securely store personal documents, including passports, residence cards, labour contracts, and insurance, and note down emergency contact details of employers, sponsors, and family.

“The Embassy’s close attention has helped the Vietnamese community in the UAE stay reassured and calm in handling situations to ensure safety,” Tung stressed.

However, he noted that AI-generated fake videos circulating on social media have caused unnecessary panic among families with relatives in the region.

Sharing Vu Van Tung's view, Mina Tran believed that, amid the conflict showing no signs of cooling, the first step to help the Vietnamese community in the UAE remain strong is to strengthen the community information system. Accordingly, Vietnamese groups in Dubai and Abu Dhabi need to coordinate closely with the Embassy to share accurate information and avoid rumours.

“Currently, information on social media and even from some press outlets has not accurately reflected the situation in the UAE. The most essential thing is to avoid creating fake news and spreading false rumours with AI images and videos online, which make many of our relatives in Viet Nam feel very worried,” Mina Tran said.

She added that negative comments directed at the UAE and Dubai overlook the fact that the country is Viet Nam’s largest trading partner in the Middle East and Africa.

Mina Tran also urged Vietnamese citizens to comply fully with advisories from UAE authorities and the Embassy, and to prepare personal plans such as updating contact information, passports, and travel arrangements if needed.

“Although everything is still operating normally, we should not be complacent given the complex and unpredictable regional security situation at present,” she stated.

Living and working in the UAE — a country with strong governance and modern security systems — over 4,000 Vietnamese citizens, including Vu Van Tung and Mina Tran, are remaining calm and united, while closely following advisories from local authorities and the Embassy. The community hopes tensions will soon ease so that life and economic activities in the Middle East, as well as the UAE, can return to stability.