The ongoing tension involving Iran, the United States and Israel has triggered a sudden shift in public mindset across the Middle East. As fears of missile strikes and wider conflict grow, demand for bomb shelters has increased significantly.
Reports indicate that American companies manufacturing underground shelters are receiving a surge in orders. Many residents are now investing in protective bunkers as a precaution against potential air strikes or escalating regional conflict.
The increase in demand is particularly noticeable in Gulf countries such as Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The trend comes amid rising concerns following US and Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory actions across the region.
Security experts stated that growing interest in shelters reflects heightened anxiety among civilians who are preparing for worst-case scenarios as geopolitical tensions continue to rise.
Price of modern bomb shelters reached millions of dollars
The price of modern shelters has reached millions of dollars, especially for citizens of the Gulf countries. These shelters provide complete facilities, including food, water, energy and living space to protect people from missile attacks and nuclear threats.
The shelters are built 6 to 10 feet underground to protect against nuclear explosions. A basic shelter can protect four people from bomb blasts and radiation for up to one week. These shelters include a specialised decontamination chamber, sealed doors, and an air filtration system to prevent contamination.
A basic backyard shelter, capable of protecting four people underground for a week from nuclear blasts and radiation, costs around $25,000, about 7.1 million Pakistani rupees. However, shelters designed for large groups of people can cost millions of dollars, depending on how much food, energy and water storage they include.
Experts explain that nuclear shelters must be buried about nine feet deep, because the earth and concrete above them help block dangerous gamma radiation. Most shelters are installed 6–10 feet underground for safety. These shelters also include a decontamination chamber, allowing people to remove radioactive contamination before entering the living area.
The interior of the shelter can be designed like a small apartment, including a living room with a TV, bedroom, kitchen, laundry area, and bathroom. Some models even include a weapons storage room.
They are equipped with water storage systems and independent utilities. If electricity fails, the shelter’s ventilation system can be operated manually using a hand crank, similar to mechanisms used in older machines.
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