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'We feel safe here': Iranians in UAE say they face support, not discrimination amid war
For many, the response from the community has reinforced the sense of belonging they feel in the UAE
- PUBLISHED: Tue 10 Mar 2026, 2:35 PM
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.]
The UAE is home to over 200 nationalities, Iranians being one of them. The country looks after residents and visitors from across the world as one of their own, especially during times of crisis.
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It has been 11 days since the beginning of Iran's attack on Gulf countries in retaliation of Israeli strikes. As tensions continue to rise in the region, Iranians living in the UAE say that they have not experienced any sort of discrimination; instead, they have received concern and emotional support from UAE residents as they worry about their families back home.
Iranians said the situation has been emotionally difficult as they follow developments and try to stay in touch with their loved ones back in the home country. However, they said life in the UAE has remained calm, with many residents reaching out to check on them during this uncertain time.
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Reza, a businessman who has lived in Dubai for over 25 years, said many people around him have been asking about his family since the conflict escalated.
"Honestly, what we are seeing here is the opposite of discrimination," he said. "My colleagues and neighbours keep asking me about my family back in Iran. They ask if everyone is safe and if we need any help. Some of them even offered to help with anything if the situation gets worse. It means a lot to us during such a stressful time."
Many Iranian residents said the biggest concern for them right now is the safety of their relatives back home. They said they constantly check the news and try to contact their families to make sure they are safe.
Maryam, an Iranian resident in Sharjah, said the emotional support from friends has been comforting.
"Every day someone asks me how my parents are doing back home," she said. "My friends keep checking if I was able to speak to them. People here are very kind. Instead of blaming us or making us uncomfortable, they are actually concerned about how we are coping."
For others, the response from the community has reinforced the sense of belonging they feel in the UAE.
Ali Khodadadi, who runs a trading business in Deira, said customers and friends often ask about the situation in Iran and show concern for their families.
“Many of our customers know we are Iranian, and they ask us about our families,” he said. “Some say they are praying for peace and hope everyone is safe. We have lived here for many years and we feel respected. Nobody has treated us badly because of the situation.”
At workplaces too, Iranian residents said that colleagues have been supportive. Sara Rahimi, who works in the hospitality sector, said her colleagues regularly check on her and ask about her parents.
“At work, my colleagues keep asking if I managed to speak to my parents,” she said. “Some even offered to help if I needed to travel or arrange something for my family. These small gestures give us emotional support when we are worried.”
Residents said they are hoping the situation will de escalate soon and that peace will return to the region, allowing families on both sides to live without fear.
SM Ayaz Zakir is a Senior Correspondent with a flair for extraordinary stories. His playground? Every corner of the UAE. He often ventures into remote corners of the country to capture compelling news and human interest stories.
