I'm a trader, stranded in Abu Dhabi, and let me tell you, anyone who thinks this place is a viable option is living in a fantasy world. I work for a prominent US bank in London, and my recent trip to Abu Dhabi was a mix of business and personal exploration. I had heard about the hedge funds here and was considering a move, but now, after this experience, I can't imagine calling this place home.
I arrived last week, and within days, I found myself trapped. The airport closure left hundreds of financial professionals, including me, unable to leave. I've been sleeping on the floor of the Ritz-Carlton, desperate to escape this situation. There are families here too, with children, and the stress is palpable.
We've taken up residence on the ground floor, a precaution in case of an attack, but the fear is real. People have even considered sleeping in the garages overnight, seeking shelter from potential bombings. The neutralization of missiles creates an enormous boom, a constant reminder of the conflict, making sleep elusive and causing distress, especially for the children. It's a nightmare for parents, and we're all packed and ready to go, yet there's no way out.
The situation has made it abundantly clear that moving here permanently is out of the question. Those who claim everything is fine are in a state of denial. Iran has an arsenal of cheap drones, capable of launching waves of attacks. While the UAE has interceptors, they are costly in comparison. Each drone, costing just $35,000 to produce, can be met with a $4 million interception cost.
This conflict is far from over, and I find it hard to comprehend why anyone would willingly stay. The airport has reopened, but the backlog is immense. All I want is to return to the UK, to the safety and stability I know.
This is Louise Boutin, a pseudonym, sharing my experience. If you have a similar story or a confidential tip, you can reach out via the provided contact details.
Bear with us if you choose to comment; comments are moderated, and it may take some time for your thoughts to appear. Remember, you are solely responsible for your comments, and we reserve the right to remove any content deemed offensive or inappropriate.
