Dubai, UAE – Liliana Aguiar, a Portuguese businesswoman and influencer residing in Dubai, spent the night in her building’s garage with her children following a series of explosions heard across the city on March 1, 2026. The incidents are attributed to attacks originating from Iran, raising concerns about regional stability and the safety of expatriate communities in the United Arab Emirates.
Aguiar shared her experience on social media, detailing the moments of apprehension she and her family faced during the night. In a video message to friends and followers, she explained their decision to leave their apartment as a precautionary measure and seek shelter in the garage. The development underscores growing regional tensions and the potential impact on civilian populations.
“We really heard six explosions and we could hear them from here at home,” Aguiar said, describing herself as visibly tired. She also noted the constant sound of missile interceptions throughout the night.
Fearing further incidents, Aguiar and her children relocated to their seven-seater vehicle in the garage. “Today we slept in the car in the garage,” she recounted, explaining how they adapted the vehicle’s interior to create a temporary sleeping space. “We lowered the back seats and made almost an ‘improvised tent,’ and the kids thought it was a party. They slept back there like it was an adventure.”
Prior to leaving their apartment, the family gathered passports and essential belongings, preparing for a potential rapid evacuation. This precaution highlights the level of concern felt by residents in the wake of the attacks.
The situation comes three years after Aguiar and her family moved to Dubai following a tough period in her marriage. This is the first time since relocating that they have experienced such a direct threat to their safety, according to reports.
Meanwhile, other residents have also shared their experiences. A Brazilian woman on a cruise ship reported experiencing tension in Dubai due to the explosions, while some travelers intending to visit the city opted to return home. Reports indicate that a Brazilian cruise ship carrying elderly passengers was affected by the unrest in the region.
Australia has also confirmed that one of its bases in the Middle East was attacked by drones originating from Iran, further escalating the situation. The international community is closely monitoring the developments, and the potential for further escalation remains a significant concern.
