According to Paulo Paiva dos Santos, president of the Portuguese Business Council in Dubai, the approximately five thousand Portuguese who live in the emirate remain calm and continue their lives normally, despite the natural apprehension generated by the events in the region.
In statements to PLATAFORMA, Paulo Paiva dos Santos emphasizes that the situation has been closely monitored, in constant coordination with the Embassy of Portugal. “We are managing everything in conjunction with the embassy. Everything is calm and the service being provided has been excellent,” he stated, highlighting the role of diplomatic and associative structures in supporting Portuguese citizens.
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In the days following the incidents, there were some isolated contacts from Portuguese individuals seeking clarifications, mainly to understand how they could return to Portugal if the situation worsened. However, these requests were few and do not reflect a generalized feeling of alarm. According to the responsible party, this is due to the strong confidence in the government of Dubai and the ability of local authorities to ensure stability.
“There is a tremendous confidence in the government of Dubai. People are very familiar with the emirate’s history and know that the sheikh quickly restores normality,” explained Paulo Paiva dos Santos, adding that this perception has been crucial for maintaining calm among Portuguese residents and businesspeople.
The president of the Portuguese Business Council also took care to clarify the nature of the incidents recorded, ruling out scenarios of a direct attack on the emirate. “There was no deliberate attack on Dubai. What happened was the activation of anti-aircraft defense systems, as occurs in other countries near conflict zones, and the fall of some debris,” he stated.
Despite the sensitive geopolitical context, life in Dubai proceeds naturally. Trade, services, and business activities remain operational, and there are currently no indications of significant changes in security conditions. “There is some concern, which is normal, but daily life continues,” he summarized.
Paulo Paiva dos Santos also highlights the close work developed by both the embassy and the Portuguese Business Council with citizens and national companies operating in the emirate, always in close coordination with local authorities. An action, he guarantees, that has been essential for ensuring information, trust, and stability at a time of regional uncertainty.
