‘Buildings Were Shaking’: Kenyans in Gulf Describe Missile Attacks

The reported death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint U.S.–Israeli airstrike on February 28 has triggered a sharp escalation across the Middle East.

Iran launched waves of retaliatory missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, U.S. military bases and several Gulf states. Major cities including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Riyadh reported explosions, smoke plumes and air defence interceptions.

Authorities in the region quickly closed airspace, grounded flights and urged residents to remain indoors as tensions rose.

Hundreds of Thousands of Kenyans in the Region

The developments have sparked concern in Kenya because of the large diaspora population living in the Gulf.

An estimated 400,000 Kenyans work across the region, including roughly:

• 310,000 in Saudi Arabia

• 66,000 in Qatar

• Between 23,000 and 40,000 in the United Arab Emirates

Many are employed as domestic workers, construction labourers and hospitality staff in major cities now experiencing heightened security alerts.

Kenya’s government has urged citizens in the region to remain cautious.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei advised Kenyans to register with embassies, limit movement and rely only on official updates.

Embassies, particularly in Doha, also urged calm while monitoring the situation closely.

Flights Suspended as Airspace Closes

The escalating tensions have already disrupted travel and trade.

National carrier Kenya Airways temporarily suspended flights to Dubai and Sharjah after regional airspace closures.

The suspension has left some travellers stranded while also raising concerns about delays in cargo movement and diaspora remittances.

Kenyans in Qatar Share Videos of Interceptions

Several Kenyans working in Qatar shared dramatic videos online showing air defence systems intercepting incoming missiles.

One widely circulated clip captured a ballistic missile exploding in the sky after being struck by defence systems above a residential area.

Witnesses described loud blasts that shook buildings.

In one Kenyan WhatsApp group, a voice note warned:

“Watch out, another missile might be coming!”

Another Kenyan attempted to lighten the tense moment with dark humour, posting:

“Io ndio camp yetu, tushazoea missile.”
(This is our camp, we’re already used to missiles.)

Doha Residents Describe Fear and Confusion

In Doha, one Kenyan filmed smoke rising in the distance while sirens sounded across the city.

The clip quickly circulated online as friends and family in Kenya checked on their loved ones.

Some of the reactions included:

• “Y’all be safe.”

• “Hali si hali but we are safe.”

• “Ni mbayaaaa.”

• “Mungu walinde.”

• “This is very scary. Please stay indoors.”

Others said buildings were shaking during interceptions but that people were trying to remain calm.

Panic in UAE and Saudi Arabia

In the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Kenyans reported seeing streaks of light across the sky as air defence systems intercepted missiles.

Some said they spent the night indoors in shared apartments while monitoring updates on their phones.

A Kenyan worker in Dubai posted:

“We are all in the house watching the sky. Nobody wants to go outside.”

Another wrote:

“The noise ilikuwa kubwa sana. We thought it was thunder at first.”

Landmarks such as Burj Al Arab and Dubai International Airport were also mentioned in reports about damage and security alerts.

Debate and Mixed Reactions Online

Back in Kenya, the crisis quickly sparked debate across social media.

Some Kenyans expressed support for Iran, while others criticised such views.

Posts included comments like:

• “Kenya fully supports Iran. Long live the resistance.”

• “Kenyans supporting Iran, please mourn your terrorist leader.”

• “Lord have mercy… World War 3 in the same year GTA6 is coming?”

• “Praying for all Kenyans in the Gulf.”

• “Our brothers and sisters abroad must be protected.”