OUDTSHOORN NEWS - South Africans wondering what daily life is like in Abu Dhabi during the current conflict in the Middle East can be reassured that, despite regional tensions, life in the city remains calm and orderly, although awareness of the situation is ever-present.
Aneka Venter, an Oudtshoorn-born teacher currently living and working for nearly two years in Abu Dhabi, shared her firsthand experience this week, describing a delicate balance between precaution and normality.
According to Venter, schools have temporarily shifted to online learning as a precautionary measure, with classes expected to resume later this week. The country’s airspace has also been closed, a decision authorities have implemented as part of broader safety measures.
“As a teacher, you see how seriously these steps are taken. The communication is clear and calm, which helps maintain a sense of stability for both staff and students.”
While daily routines continue largely unchanged, there are moments that serve as reminders of the wider conflict unfolding across the region. Venter said residents occasionally hear distant sounds or notice interceptions in the night sky, unusual occurrences given that normal air traffic has been suspended.
Emergency alerts sent to mobile phones further reinforce the reality of the situation, creating moments that can feel surreal and unsettling.
“It’s very different from what most of us would consider normal daily life.”
Despite this, Venter emphasised that panic is largely absent. Instead, many residents express strong trust in the preparedness and leadership of the United Arab Emirates authorities.
“The government communicates clearly, takes visible precautions, and prioritises safety. That reassures families, schools, and workplaces.”
Across Abu Dhabi, shops remain open, essential services continue uninterrupted, and residents carry on with their daily routines. According to Venter, the impact of the conflict is felt more emotionally than physically, with many people experiencing concern for others and a renewed appreciation for peace and stability.
“In many ways, life continues. Schools adapt, travel pauses, and conversations become deeper, but there is still a strong sense of order and reassurance.”
For South Africans living abroad, she added, that sense of trust and stability makes a significant difference, especially when uncertainty persists elsewhere in the region.
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