A Pakistani water delivery driver was killed by falling missile debris in Ajman on the first day of regional hostilities, with his family telling international media they believe he was unaware the conflict had even begun—a tragedy that highlights communication gaps and the vulnerability of essential workers in the UAE's expatriate-majority workforce.
Saleh Ahmed was delivering drinking water when he was fatally struck by debris after a missile attack, according to his son speaking with Sky News. The family said Ahmed likely did not know hostilities had started when he left for work that morning.
The incident underscores the particular risks facing the UAE's approximately nine million expatriate residents, who comprise roughly 90 percent of the population and fill essential service roles across the Emirates—from construction and delivery to hospitality and healthcare.
Many of these workers lack access to consistent news updates during working hours, especially those in outdoor manual labor roles where smartphones may be prohibited or impractical. Emergency alert systems, while increasingly sophisticated in Dubai and Abu Dhabi's urban cores, may not reach all workers equally—particularly those in industrial zones or on delivery routes.
"An Iranian missile landed on him," Ahmed's son told Sky News, describing the moment his family learned his father had been killed. The family is now navigating repatriation procedures to bring Ahmed's remains back to Pakistan.
Water delivery drivers like Ahmed form a critical part of the UAE's infrastructure, particularly in the northern emirates where is located. These workers typically operate on tight schedules, delivering heavy water bottles to homes and businesses throughout the day, often with limited breaks.

