Doha, Qatar – Life for many expatriates in Qatar has taken on an unsettling familiarity in recent days, reminiscent of pandemic lockdowns but punctuated by the jarring sounds of distant explosions. As tensions escalate following the recent exchange of strikes between Israel, the United States, and Iran, residents are finding themselves navigating a new normal of uncertainty, and preparedness. For Kathryn Rush, a New Zealand lawyer living in Doha with her husband and two children, the situation feels eerily similar to the early days of COVID-19, albeit with a more audible threat.
The current crisis began on February 28, 2026, when Israel and the United States launched attacks on Iranian soil, reportedly targeting military facilities. This action prompted retaliatory missile strikes from Iran targeting several countries in the region, including Qatar. The escalating conflict has raised concerns about regional stability and the safety of civilians, particularly those living in close proximity to potential targets. The situation is further complicated by the presence of significant US military infrastructure in Qatar, including Al Udeid Air Base, a key hub for US operations in the Middle East. This makes Qatar a strategically key, and potentially vulnerable, location in the unfolding geopolitical drama.
Rush, along with her husband, relocated to Doha at the end of December 2025 to pursue opportunities in the oil and gas sector. They had settled into a routine, enrolling their children, 11-year-old Nick and 9-year-old Emily, in school and extracurricular activities. But, the recent escalation in conflict has abruptly disrupted their lives. “It’s very reminiscent of Covid,” Rush explained, describing the return to a more homebound existence. “We’ve spent the first few months getting ourselves into dance classes and bits and pieces, football clubs and things like that. So all of that’s now on hold as everyone has to stay at home as much as they can, my husband is working from home, the kids are home-schooling.”
Qatar Intercepts Iranian Missiles, Heightening Regional Tensions
On March 3, 2026, Qatar’s air force announced it had successfully intercepted two Iranian fighter aircraft and seven ballistic missiles, as well as five drones, launched from Iran. Al Jazeera reported that the intercepted missiles were detected early in the morning, with explosions heard across Doha. This marked a significant escalation in the conflict, representing the first reported instance of direct aerial engagement between Qatar and Iran. The Qatari Defence Ministry stated that the threat was addressed immediately, with all missiles intercepted before reaching their targets. The incident underscores the growing risk of direct military confrontation in the region.
The situation has prompted New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to advise its citizens in Qatar to shelter in place. Rush indicated that she and her family would consider leaving the country if the advice were to be upgraded, but for now, they sense relatively safe in their compound. “We’re in an older compound… and the villas are really sturdy… so I don’t feel that we’re in as much of a target zone as perhaps some of the other areas,” she said. Their location, north of Doha’s center and airport, and away from the American base further south, provides a degree of reassurance.
A Sense of Déjà Vu: Life Under Threat of Attack
The experience of living under the threat of missile attacks has brought back memories of the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic for Rush and her family. The uncertainty, the need for preparedness, and the disruption to daily life all echo the challenges they faced during lockdowns. “It feels a bit probably like a Covid lockdown, except for the sound of the occasional loud boom,” Rush observed. The family has stocked up on essential supplies, including water, sunscreen, and camping gear, preparing for a potential evacuation. “The car is full of petrol and packed with effectively camping gear and the usual kind of go back scenarios… so you know we are prepared – if we have to go we have to go – but where that would be going is a little uncertain.”
Despite the anxieties, Rush is focused on maintaining a sense of normalcy for her children. She acknowledges the situation with them, but strives to avoid causing undue alarm. “I popped outside and my daughter was on a trampoline tonight just to say ‘oh, do you want to reach inside, those were quite loud’ and she said ‘yeah and there were some flashes in the sky too but I want to do some more trampolining’,” she recounted. Her 11-year-old son is similarly aware of the situation, discussing it with his friends from various countries at school.
Broader Regional Implications and Qatar’s Position
The recent strikes in Qatar are part of a wider pattern of escalating tensions in the Middle East. According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Israel’s strike in Qatar, a key US ally, has threatened to undermine US-backed efforts to stabilize the region and contain Iran. Qatar has historically played a mediating role in regional conflicts, and hosts Hamas political leadership. The attack on Doha is seen by some as a deliberate provocation, potentially jeopardizing Qatar’s ability to serve as a neutral party. The situation also raises questions about the security of US assets in the region, particularly Al Udeid Air Base, which is vital for US military operations.
The broader 2026 Iran conflict, which began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, has seen retaliatory Iranian missile strikes targeting multiple countries. As detailed on Wikipedia, Qatar’s airspace was closed on February 28th, disrupting flights from Hamad International Airport. The conflict follows the breakdown of US-Iran talks and negotiations, signaling a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape. The situation remains fluid and unpredictable, with the potential for further escalation.
For the Rush family, and many other expatriates in Qatar, the immediate future remains uncertain. They are prepared to adapt to the evolving situation, prioritizing safety and maintaining a sense of calm amidst the ongoing turmoil. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the conflict will de-escalate or spiral further, impacting the lives of those caught in the crossfire.
The next key development to watch will be any updates to New Zealand’s travel advisory for Qatar. Citizens are currently advised to shelter in place, but any upgrade to this advice could prompt a mass exodus. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as they become available. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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