How Iran Attacks Are Affecting Pakistani Workers in Dubai and the Gulf

Until a few days ago my work was going very well, but now several days pass without getting any work. Over the past five years I manageid to pay off the debts that were on me and my family. Now my goal was to build my own house. But if the situation continues like this, it may even become difficult to earn a living in Dubai.”

This was stated by 34-year-old electrician Imran Khan from Mardan, who has been working in Dubai for the past five years. Imran is among thousands of Pakistani laborers who work in Gulf countries on free or informal visas in various sectors on a temporary basis.

Last week, attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel and Tehran’s retaliatory actions created uncertainty in the Middle East, increasing the difficulties of migrant workers like Imran Khan.

For a long time, the United Arab Emirates had the image of a country largely insulated from problems affecting the rest of the region. However, after the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei last Saturday, Iran targeted Gulf countries—including the UAE with drones and missiles. Following this, the UAE had to close its airspace.

According to Imran Khan, this uncertain situation has also affected job opportunities.

He says that earlier he used to get work almost every day of the week.

“Now sometimes I have to wait three or even four days. For people like us, when work stops it becomes very difficult because our income depends entirely on daily labor.”

Construction work slowing in the UAE

The construction sector has long been an important pillar of the UAE economy. Skyscrapers, residential projects, and large infrastructure developments have provided employment to millions of foreign workers.

But workers on free visas say that small and medium-sized projects are now slowing down.

Waqas Ahmed, a laborer in Dubai, says:
“Large projects are still going on, but smaller contractors have less work now. Earlier we were called to sites every day, but now we’re not.”

Khalid Mahmood (a pseudonym), who works in Sharjah, says that most projects there are small residential developments.

“When the market slows down, these projects are the first to be affected.”

He adds that earlier, if work was scarce in Sharjah, they could look for work in other emirates.

“But now even that isn’t possible.”

Yousaf, a mason working in Ajman, says that earlier when they left home in the morning they were confident they would find work somewhere.

“Now many days we return empty-handed in the evening.”

Workers say that compared with permanent employees, those on free visas are affected first because they work on daily or temporary contracts.

Shipping and cargo sector also affected

The UAE’s ports are a major hub of regional trade, but uncertainty has also affected the cargo and shipping sectors.

Nasir Ali, who works in cargo handling in Dubai, says that cargo operations have not completely stopped, but they are not as busy as before.

He says some companies have reduced shipments, which means workers are not getting consistent work.

Arshad Mahmood, who works in a warehouse in Abu Dhabi, says:

“Earlier several large shipments arrived each week, but now loading hardly happens. This directly affects workers’ incomes.”

Small businesses

It is not only laborers who have been affected by the current situation.

Ayesha Farooq, a Pakistani woman living in Dubai, used to earn a good income by teaching mathematics and English tuition to children. But after Iran’s attacks, educational institutions in the UAE started conducting classes online, and many parents stopped sending their children for tuition.

“Earlier children came to my home for tuition and I taught several students daily. Now the number of students has dropped significantly. Some parents said it would be fine if I could go to their homes to teach, but that’s not possible. Many tuitions have stopped, and it is affecting my income.”

Haris Mahmood from Sialkot, who works as a mechanic in a workshop in Bahrain, says that earlier cars came daily for repairs, but now work has decreased.

Similarly, workers repairing mobile phones and working in small shops are also complaining about fewer customers.

Desire to go home for Eid and rising ticket prices

Many Pakistani workers in Gulf countries had planned to go home for Eid this year, but current difficulties make that unlikely.

Imran Shah, who works as a driver in Dubai, says:

“Flights are limited and tickets have become very expensive. A friend’s company told him not to go right now because returning might be difficult. I haven’t been to Pakistan for five years. This time I had a definite plan, but now there are no tickets.”

He added that although many sectors are affected, his own work is still going well.

Imran Shah says whenever news about Iran-Israel tensions appears, his family immediately calls from home asking about the situation.

“We have to keep explaining that life here is still normal and there is no danger, but they don’t understand.”

Rising daily expenses

Increasing prices are also affecting people.

For migrant workers in the UAE, the biggest challenge is controlling their expenses.

Amjad Ali, an electrician who has been living in Qatar for four years, says:

“Earlier apples cost four riyals, now they are up to ten. Onions have gone from two and a half riyals to seven. Meat and chicken prices have also increased significantly.”

He added:

“We already live on limited income. When food prices rise, it becomes difficult both to send money home and to manage our own expenses.”

In Bahrain, the situation is similar.

Haris says:

“Not only food items are becoming expensive, but rent and other expenses are also rising. This has made workers’ lives more difficult than before.”

“My business is doing fine”

Suleman Jazib, who is involved in the shipping business in Dubai, says that all kinds of business activities are still happening at Dubai Port.

He says import and export containers are still moving through the port.

“Today three containers arrived from China.”

According to him, Dubai Port is open for all kinds of business and activities. If the number of containers has decreased, it is not just a Dubai issue but a global situation.

He says:

“We are still receiving business and services today, which shows that commercial life continues.”

He added that there is no fear in Dubai or other emirates of the UAE. Normal activities are ongoing.

Markets and bazaars have all goods available, prices have not increased, and flights have now resumed from airports.