by Xinhua writers Wen Xinnian, Zhao Danliang
DUBAI, March 12 (Xinhua) -- As regional tensions rise and missile and drone attacks continue, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has seen a display of resilience among its population.
The latest wave of tensions follows a late-February U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran, which prompted retaliatory strikes by Iran targeting U.S. military installations across the Gulf, including in the UAE.
Since the conflict began, UAE air defenses have intercepted hundreds of ballistic and cruise missiles and more than 1,500 drones, according to official figures. Authorities said attacks have increasingly targeted civilian areas in Dubai, with debris from intercepted drones causing fires near the international airport, hotels, office towers, and residential buildings.
Dubai authorities confirmed Thursday that a drone struck the facade of a building along Sheikh Zayed Road, a major city artery. Another minor drone-related incident occurred in the Al Bada'a area, with no injuries reported in either case.
Despite the situation, daily life has largely continued. Businesses remain open, schools have shifted to remote learning, and residents occasionally hear fighter jets, missile alerts, and air-defense blasts.
In recent days, a speech by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasizing national resilience has circulated widely, appearing on social media, in songs, and on commercial products.
For many residents and entrepreneurs, the trend has become a symbol of national solidarity. "There is no doubt that war affects the entire world, so naturally Dubai's market may also feel some impact," said media strategist Syed Mudassar Khushnood. He noted that Dubai has repeatedly recovered from major shocks, including the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hamad Alhosani, head of the Islamic Studies Department at TRENDS Research and Advisory, said the UAE's reputation for stability and neutrality continues to attract global capital amid geopolitical uncertainty.
Sam Chang, CEO of Cedar Group, added, "Financial centers are not necessarily born in times of peace; they often consolidate and strengthen during periods of turbulence."