Dubai radio host praises community amid missile attacks in UAE: ‘This is my home’

As tension in the Middle East continues, communities continue to band together.

This is according to Virgin Radio Dubai host Kris Fade, who shared his account of the recent missile strikes in Dubai.

Having lived in the city for almost 20 years, he described the initial shock and fear that gripped the community as the attack unfolded.

“The first two days, I am not going to say that we were scared, but we were definitely worried and in shock. I never expected this to happen, and I don’t think it should ever happen in any country around the world.

“But when you start hearing those explosions in the sky, and you feel them, which I think is even worse, you are obviously on alert.

“It’s very emotional when you have children. Having to explain to them what is going on and why it is happening, because they ask you so many questions.”

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He praised the UAE’s swift response and highlighted the resilience of the Dubai community, which came together in the face of adversity. 

He said the experience has brought people close together, much like during the earlier days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The community in the UAE has done a great job, and for the first time in two and a half days, I feel more relaxed than ever before, and that is a good thing.

“This is my home, and we are here. We didn’t ask for this, and we didn’t want this, and we will get stronger from this.”

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In the wake of panic, Fade emphasised the importance of verifying information, particularly in the age of artificial intelligence.

“It scares people; we are already at a heightened feeling, and the last thing that you want to see is a fake AI video of the Burj Khalifa being struck.”

To listen to Fade in conversation with 947’s Drive with Thando, use the audio player below: