Actor and entrepreneur Vivek Oberoi has opened up about life in the United Arab Emirates amid concerns triggered by the ongoing Iran–Israel conflict. In a new interview, the actor spoke about the situation in Dubai, where he runs multiple business ventures.
Addressing reports and viral videos circulating online, Vivek suggested that the ground reality is very different from what people outside the region often perceive.
He told Firstpost, “There is an old saying: ‘The storm does not disturb the fish in the deep sea.’ While the world outside often views us through a lens of distortion, the reality on the ground is a defiance of that narrative.”
Describing the atmosphere in Dubai, the actor added, “Dubai isn’t just ‘functioning’; it has found a higher gear. You can feel it in the buzzing markets and the electric energy in our offices.”
He further noted that businesses continue to grow despite global uncertainties. “We aren’t just open for business; we are a global benchmark for progress and stability. Our companies aren’t merely surviving; they are adapting and evolving.”
“The moment I saw my kids, the weight of the world fell away”
The actor, who was recently in Mumbai for the shoot of Spirit directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, also spoke about returning to Dubai and reuniting with his children.
Reflecting on the moment he saw his family again, Vivek said, “The moment I landed in Dubai and saw my kids, the weight of the world just fell away.”
He described the scene at home as one of calm normalcy. “They were laughing over a board game—a scene of such profound, calm normalcy. As a father, your priority is always their peace of mind.”
“We aren’t just coping; we are growing”
Speaking about how his company BNW Developments and his team are dealing with the situation, Vivek said the experience has actually strengthened bonds within the organisation.
He shared, “We aren’t just ‘coping’; we are growing. This experience has strengthened our bonds, transforming our team into a tribe—an unbreakable collective.”
According to him, team conversations often begin with personal check-ins. “Our strategy calls always begin with a genuine check-in: ‘Is your family okay?’.”
Despite the regional tensions, the actor said work continues as usual. “We continue to move forward—launching projects and creating jobs. When you are a stakeholder in a nation’s future, you don’t just cheer for the UAE; you contribute to its strength.”
“People abroad are getting it wrong”
Vivek also addressed concerns about security and daily life in the region, emphasising that the situation remains stable.
He remarked, “People abroad are fundamentally getting it wrong; they are mistaking the razor-sharp precision of caution for the tremors of fear.”
Praising the governance and safety systems in the country, he added, “We are living within a highly sophisticated framework of security where everyone is protected without differentiation.”
The actor concluded by highlighting the sense of unity in the country. “There is a beautiful sense of ‘one’ here. Because of this visionary protection, we are able to maintain a state of absolute, unshakeable normalcy in our professional and personal lives.”
