Gas mask suppliers get enquiries from Gulf

With expectations of war growing steadily, Dubai-based gas masks suppliers have received enquiries from across the Gulf and are expecting firm orders within weeks.

Demand is rising mainly in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, but there is no local demand because, as in the 1991 Gulf War, people feel the action is far away, the suppliers said.

"Every day, there are more enquiries pouring in from neighbouring markets, but it may take a few more weeks for this to translate into orders," said a senior manager at a leading distributor.

"There has been no panic buying, but some of the companies in the oil and gas and marine industries have placed discrete enquiries. And these are coming in from all over the region."

Industry sources close to the UAE and Kuwait markets also said Kuwaiti authorities have started procuring gas masks. Some other Gulf markets, especially those on the frontline are also considering doing so, they added.