View of missiles by Doha, a runny nose after Iran began an operation focused on an American base in Qatar on June 23, 2025.
Stringer Anadol Getty images
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – escalation regional war or a group of choreographic theater?
Millions in the Middle East were ordered to take refuge on Monday evening, when the airspace closed over them, and Iran launched a wave of bullets over the Al-Eudeid air base in Qatar, the largest and most fortified military base in the region. Films capturing the ignition of the night sky by Doha became viral in social media, while flight tracking platforms showed passenger jet on the way to Dubai and Abu Dhabi suddenly reversing the course.
The Iranian strike, which US President Donald Trump later described as “weak” and who, according to the White House, was telegraph before he was carried out to minimize the victims, came in response to unusual strikes in the USA in Iran in nuclear facilities last weekIN which was carried out with The largest unleasy bombs on earth.
Trump announced a suspension of weapons and called for peace. It will turn out whether Israel and Iran will accept and stick to the suspension of weapons, and there are even more questions: what happened to the enriched uranium in Iran? How many damage was caused in all strikes? Is it ending here? Will the Iranian government survive? Will the airspace open again and the flights resume throughout the region?
People throughout the region expressed their feelings, fears and hopes in conversations with CNBC. Several of these people decided to do this provided anonymity, due to the sensitive nature of their comments and concerns about the repercussion from the state or from their employers.
“It just seemed like a great program”
“In my opinion, this war had one winner – and it was the United States. Because it showed Israel that without the United States he could not win – and even end the war – and the second lost was the Islamic Republic, who realized that there is no military ability to counteract us, and the US could access every part of Iran, when it was. – H., Oil and Gas Business Director at Tehran in Iran
“I am so” ehhh “about it. It seemed to be a big program. I think everyone was waiting for how Iran would react. This is probably the best scenario to calm down. – Saed Elayan, a Palestinian entrepreneur living in Dubai
“People laugh at a very limited scope of Iran's operation against al-accommodation. However, Tehran managed to deliver a strong geostrategic message to the Persian Gulf states: instead of being a protective well, organizing American forces on their soil could-and actually-just an invitation to destructive attacks.” -My, Egyptian-Aamerykani living in Cairo
“We are completely enough. We are angry, frustrated, sad and scared. We feel helpless and we feel a huge injustice. We are tired of being an attack and survival through the USA and Israel in the form of” freeing us from tyranny. ” This is funny and we all see through it – we just want to live in peace and not look at how our Cousins are simply willingness to exist. ” – Kareem, an Egyptian entrepreneur living in Dubai
“To be honest, I am not what disturbed Iran. Over the past 70 years, they have caused more deaths in Iraq than Israel in Palestine. And if they decide to bomb each other who I oppose. My hope is that they will keep it for themselves without engaging the rest of the region into it.” – A., Iraqi emigrant living in Dubai
Rescuers check the damage caused by the building from the Iranian rocket strike in Beersheba in southern Israel on June 24, 2025.
John Wessels AFP Getty images
“Like all other small interactions between Iran and Israel, it was very, very short, and in fact they just had some skirmishes, and then they called it the day. I knew it would be nothing else. And the real sign that it was not that … Islamic Republic never officially entered the state of war. Know, fight for a blow, not as Otherwise, both sides could leave and save the face and say that they both won and did it technically because there was no war, so there is no loser technically. ” – – Amir Hamidfar, creator of the content and video editor, Isfahan, Iran
“As Lebanese with a company in Saudi and the United Arab Emirates, I want it to end as soon as possible. We are standing at an equal distance we don't like both countries (Iran and Israel) and we are so resistant that we don't worry, but I want it to end.” – – Cam Khoury, Lebanese entrepreneur, Dubai
“I hope it's the end”
“For me personally, as a Swiss citizen, I feel safe in Dubai. But I feel very strange, leading a normal life, publishing on social media, it is wrong. Currently, worrying about the situation of flight – while others are afraid of their lives. And I am so shocked, how Israel could simply take a sovereign state without any consequences.” – Luisa, a Swiss emigrant working in Dubai
“I hate to wake up and wonder what happened. I am going to sleep, having no idea what this region will look like in the morning. I should have come out from here earlier than planned, now, if the flights remain grounded, I got stuck. But I hope it is over and it becomes worse.” – – H., American Expat in Dubai
“There was a deep sense of fear – not only war, but from something that is developing. We live under the shadow of the escalation of the existential threat, in which the future seems a bit fragile and uncertain. And yet, next to this fear, there is a persistent hope: that this moment of crisis can also be a turning point for something better.” – – Cochav Elkayam Levy, chairman of the civil committee, Central Israel
“My family is fine, thank God … I think I am more restless than them. Saint — man, as it is. It is now or never (for the Iranian fall regime). That's it nervous about it. So much, what I hope. So much about it, much to express joy. It's a damn bipolar experience to be Iranian.” – S., Iranian emigrant and consultant in Dubai
“Basically, I am worried that safe races, such as Dubai, are no longer safe rallies, because the US and Israel can act independently of any international rules and impunity. That the rest of the region will be drawn into this war because of the ego. Will this affect my real estate price? Will Dubai be a safe place to live anymore? Will my relatives in Iraq be safe, considering that they are so close to Iran? ” – – F., Iraqi emigrant and lawyer in Dubai
“” There is a sense of relief that Iranian nuclear, destructive and power of attorney have been seriously degraded – but also deep anxiety against the risk of another full regional war and fragile suspension of weapons, which is unlikely. The beginning of the war is one thing – the ending is one. ever rooted. ” – – Mazen Hayek, media consultant, Dubai
“Neighboring countries must unite and put pressure on Israel to immediately stop the relentless attacks on Iran on all chances of peace. The current environment is a bit scary for many and will negatively affect tourism, real estate, investors and general security in the Persian bay. As a long resident who experienced all the conflicts from the bay war and, I am deeply concerned – I am deeply concerned – Iran – Iran and Iran – all in Arab countries. – – K., founder of Energy Consultancy, European Expat in Dubai