New Delhi, March 4 -- For years, Dubai symbolised safety, tax efficiency and global ambition for Indian professionals. Now, Iranian drone strikes near residential areas have rattled that image. Expats who moved there for family support and stability say "Brand Dubai" has taken a hit, with sentiment and property prices likely to feel pressure.

The broader Gulf Cooperation Council, spanning the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, has long marketed itself as a secure haven for capital and talent. The UAE alone hosts over 3.5 million Indians and remains a key remittance source. Yet, escalating tensions have forced Indian firms and families to reassess safety and contingency plans.

Even so, lawyers and advisors argue that the regio...