A tragic incident has come to light in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where a Nepali worker lost his life amid heightened security sensitivities. During military or technical efforts aimed at neutralizing the risk of a drone attack allegedly originating from the Iranian side, a Nepali security personnel stationed at Zayed International Airport was caught in the incident.
Incident Details and Human Loss
According to confirmed identification, the deceased has been identified as Dibas Shrestha, a permanent resident of Gorkha district, Nepal. The 29-year-old was employed by a private security company in Abu Dhabi and was deployed for airport security duties.
Available information indicates that he sustained critical injuries during an unexpected mishap while the drone neutralization process was underway. Although he was immediately rushed to a hospital for treatment, doctors were unable to save him.
Diplomatic Efforts and Repatriation Process
The Embassy of Nepal in Abu Dhabi has confirmed the heartbreaking incident and expressed deep condolences to the family of the deceased. According to the latest statement issued by the embassy:
• Repatriation of the body: Necessary coordination is underway to send the mortal remains to Nepal once legal and administrative procedures are completed.
• Security coordination: The embassy stated it is working in coordination with local authorities to obtain further details of the incident and to safeguard the rights and interests of the worker.
“Understanding the sensitivity of the current situation, we urge all Nepali brothers and sisters residing in the UAE to remain calm and strictly follow local security regulations.”
— Embassy of Nepal, Abu Dhabi
Growing Anxiety Among Nepali Migrants
The evolving security situation in the Middle East has raised serious concerns about the safety of hundreds of thousands of Nepali migrant workers employed there. Incidents like this have generated psychological fear among Nepalis working abroad.
Particularly those employed in strategic and security-related sectors have called for stronger safety guarantees and heightened vigilance at workplaces.
This incident has once again brought policy discussions to the forefront regarding the safety of citizens working abroad and their roles in high-risk sectors.