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02 Mar 2026
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02 Mar 2026
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Ellen O'Sullivan from Portlaoise has lived in the UAE since 2022
A primary school teacher from Portlaoise is among the many Irish people fearing for their safety in the Middle East following the US and Israeli attacks on Iran over the weekend.
Following the launch of the US and Israel's attack on Iran on Saturday, February 28, Iran retaliated by firing missiles at northern Israel and US military bases in the Middle East.
The United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain have been targeted by the Iranian strikes, causing major concern for the Irish diaspora in the region.
Ellen O'Sullivan from Portlaoise is among the large cohort of Irish citizens living in the UAE.
Ellen has lived in Abu Dhabi since 2022, and was even in the running to be the Dubai Rose for the International Rose of Tralee Festival in 2024.
Speaking to the Leinster Express / Laois Live, the primary school teacher described the situation in the UAE as "quite scary at the moment."
READ NEXT: 'Scary times’: Irish couple on honeymoon in Dubai among those impacted by Iran attacks
"We have been instructed to shelter in place and school has moved online for the next few days as the situation is being monitored," Ellen explained.
"We are hearing a lot of banging as the UAE military intercept missiles. A port close to the city is currently on fire in Abu Dhabi. We heard reports that a French navy base had been hit. We haven’t heard anything official yet though. It’s all very unsettling."
Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee spoke with the UAE Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Sunday, March 1 regarding the escalation in the conflict and the Irish population there.
Following the call, Minister McEntee said: "In this uncertain time, the safety of Irish citizens in the UAE and wider region is my utmost priority and I deeply appreciate the efforts of the UAE Government to keep all residents safe and informed."
The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs have issued the second-highest warning level to any travel to the UAE, advising against any non-essential travel.
They said: "Countries or territories at this level have serious and potentially life-threatening risks. Our ability to provide consular assistance to Irish citizens in this location is extremely limited."
Meanwhile, Irish people currently in the UAE have been told to shelter in place and follow local Government advice.
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