OUDTSHOORN NEWS  - What unfolds on international news channels often feels distant, until it involves someone from home. As conflict escalates in the Middle East, several people with ties to the Oudtshoorn region find themselves living through uncertain times thousands of kilometres away, while families back home wait anxiously for updates.

Well-known Oudtshoorn residents Susan and Eben White are among those currently living and working in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, where heightened security measures and missile interception activity recently brought global events uncomfortably close to daily life.

Susan previously worked as a marketing agent at the Oudtshoorn Courant.

The couple has been living in Abu Dhabi since August 2022. Susan is employed at the Canadian International School, where she works alongside colleagues and learners from more than seven different nationalities, while Eben works as an aviation auditor for a company responsible for approximately 80% of maintenance on UAE Air Force aircraft.

“For me, working with people from different cultures, stories and countries every day, you see how people stand together and look out for each other, not only in times like this, but every day. Because everyone is far from their families, there is a deeper bond between people,” she said.

The couple was at home on Saturday, 28 February, when they received their first official warning from the UAE government, advising residents to seek shelter immediately due to a potential missile threat and to stay away from windows and open areas while awaiting further instructions.

Shortly afterwards, alarms sounded on mobile phones and across their area.

“We heard explosions, which were caused by the military intercepting missiles and drones before they could reach the UAE. There were also regular military aircraft patrolling the airspace,” Susan explained.

The experience came as a shock in a country they had come to regard as exceptionally safe.

“We live in what feels like the safest country in the world, and suddenly you are part of what is happening. We are used to walking out the door at any time, day or night, and never feeling unsafe. We haven’t even locked our doors for almost four years.”

Despite the situation, Susan says residents feel more uncertain than fearful and still experience a strong sense of safety.

Daily life has changed mainly through reduced movement rather than the disruption of services. Normally busy streets have grown unusually quiet as people remain indoors.

“Abu Dhabi is usually a rat race, traffic, school buses everywhere, children playing in parks, people jogging and cycling. Suddenly it’s dead quiet. People don’t move and you don’t hear anything.”

Thanks to the country’s advanced infrastructure, essential services continue to function smoothly, with residents able to order necessities via delivery applications. Schools and many businesses have temporarily shifted to working from home.

Security visibility has not changed significantly, as a strong security presence forms part of everyday life in Abu Dhabi. Authorities continue to provide regular updates and guidance to residents, which Susan says offers reassurance.

Although the Whites do not personally know anyone stranded, reports indicate that more than 20 000 travellers were affected after airport closures. The Abu Dhabi government has reportedly accommodated stranded visitors in hotels at state expense.

Working remotely presents occasional challenges, but systems already in place have allowed education and business activities to continue with minimal disruption.

Susan says communication with loved ones back home remains an important emotional anchor for expatriates during uncertain times.

She also cautioned against the spread of misinformation.

“We are not always sure what people in South Africa are hearing or what fake news is circulating on social media. People should not share information unless they know it is true, because families here are worried about one another.”

For now, the couple says they remain calm and focused on maintaining routine.

“We try to be as normal as possible. Luckily, we have a home gym, so we force ourselves to exercise every day and keep a routine. We lock down and keep things normal.”

While they miss home, Susan says they still feel safe where they are.

“We still feel safe here for now. It remains a good and safe place for us to live and work. We miss home, and we will want to come back again, but for now, this is home.”

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