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'She was an angel’: UAE mourns Palestinian woman killed after Iranian missile hits vehicle
A few months ago, Khaleej Times briefly interviewed Alaa at the factory where she worked; the moment reflected what others now describe as a woman who carried responsibility lightly, but seriously
- PUBLISHED: Wed 18 Mar 2026, 3:37 PM
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.]
To those who knew her, Palestinian expat Alaa Nader Awni Mushtaha was defined by a rare kind of gentleness; the kind that showed in her words, her work and the way she touched people’s lives. Colleagues remember her as someone who was always attentive, responsible and unfailingly kind.
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The 33-year-old trainer was killed on Monday morning when a missile struck her car as she was on her way to work in Abu Dhabi. She was among six civilians killed in the UAE since Iran attacked the Gulf countries.
At the cheese production facility where she mentored people of determination, Alaa was known for her attentiveness.
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“She was a breeze, a pure soul… truly like an angel,” said Fatima Al Hamami, a colleague who struggled to hold back tears. “She never hurt anyone; not intentionally, not unintentionally. Even her words were gentle.”
Upon hearing news of her death, Al Hamami said she immediately opened her chat box and started listening to her voice notes: “I just wanted to hear her voice again, I couldn’t believe I won’t be able to see her or hear her again.”
A few months ago, Khaleej Times had briefly interviewed Alaa at the same factory. During the conversation, she appeared light-hearted and full of energy, yet her focus never drifted far from the production line. As questions were asked, her eyes repeatedly returned to the cheese and labneh being prepared, quietly ensuring nothing went wrong.
It was a small moment, but one that reflected what those around her now describe as a woman who carried responsibility lightly, but seriously.
“She was always watching over the work,” one colleague said. “Even during breaks, she would check everything herself.”
Another colleague, Soaad Al Hosani, said the last time she saw Alaa was just days earlier, during a work rehearsal. “We were preparing for a visit… everything felt normal,” she said. “We were even messaging in the group about work timings.”
A family woman
Beyond her workplace, that same sense of care defined her role within her family.
The eldest of six siblings, she helped cover rent and supported her brothers’ education, including one studying abroad. Colleagues said she had taken on responsibilities well beyond her years. “She was like a mother before anything else,” Al Hosani said.
Her family had already endured tragedy. Two years ago, her sister was killed with her children and mother-in-law in Gaza, according to Alaa’s colleagues. Despite this, those around her say Alaa remained steady, focused on work, family and caring for others.
Abu Dhabi mourns
Her death has drawn an outpouring of grief across Abu Dhabi, extending far beyond those who knew her.
At a condolence house in Al Rahba, the streets were unusually busy. Cars slowed, windows rolled down, and women stepped out asking the same question: “Is this where the condolences are?” Many had never met Alaa, but had come after hearing about her story.
“I don’t know her or her family,” said one woman, her voice breaking as she stepped out of the house, visibly shaken. “But I remember the sorrows of war.” She had come to the UAE for a visit three years ago, leaving her children behind in Gaza. When conflict escalated, she was never able to reunite with them. “I just pray that my kids remain safe,” she said, before walking away in tears.
Tharwah Al Ameri, who drove from North Bani Yas for 30 minutes after seeing a notification about the funeral, said she felt compelled to attend. “The least we can do is show support,” she said. “When her mother sees how many people came and are praying for her daughter, it might bring her some comfort.”
“We are all one family,” she added. “Even if we don’t know each other.”
Another visitor, a retired teacher who lives in Al Bahia and preferred not to be named, said she felt compelled to attend despite not knowing Alaa or her family. “Even if we don’t know them, we have to stand with them,” she said.
