During times of uncertainty, warnings typically precede significant events. In Qatar, a national emergency text alert similar to Amber Alerts or severe weather notices in Canada was issued by the government, cautioning about an elevated security threat level. The message advised people to stay indoors and away from windows until the danger passed.
Experiencing the war while vacationing in Qatar with her husband, Ottawa resident Patricia MacLeod, 56, described the situation as surreal. After the alerts, she heard explosions believed to be Qatari air defenses intercepting Iranian missiles and drones, causing her hotel room to shake. Initially alarmed, MacLeod even sent her last will and testament to her sons but later decided to continue her vacation, comforted by the locals’ resilience and the supportive atmosphere in Qatar.
Despite the ongoing conflict triggered by the U.S. and Israel attacking Iran on Feb. 28, MacLeod and other Canadians chose to remain in Qatar, where over 110,000 Canadians are present in the Middle East. Unlike other Gulf countries facing intense Iranian attacks, Qatar has not experienced the same level of violence.
While casualties are reported in Iran, Lebanon, and Israel, Qatar has seen no fatalities from the war. However, the country’s energy infrastructure suffered damage from Iranian missiles, affecting the Ras Laffan LNG hub.
Residents like Kerry Suek, a physics teacher in Doha for 24 years, and Trish Slade, a teacher from Alberta living in Qatar, expressed comfort with staying in the country despite the ongoing conflict. Suek likened the situation to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the government’s precautionary measures for public safety.
Although life is gradually returning to normal in Qatar, the volatility of the situation remains evident. Slade and her husband, Steve Rich, emphasized feeling safe in Qatar and their reluctance to leave, despite concerns from family members.
For MacLeod, her extended stay in Qatar due to flight delays led to apologies to her colleagues back in Canada. Eventually, after overcoming multiple flight disruptions, MacLeod and her husband safely returned to Ottawa.