For the past seven-plus weeks (since Feb 28), we have been anxiously waiting for the US/Israel/Iran war to be resolved. We have also been in regular contact with nurses we recruited for the King Faisal Specialist Hospitals (Riyadh, Jeddah, Madinah).

We have been surprised to find that, with one or two exceptions, most of the nurses said it was life as usual, and they weren't planning to leave the Kingdom. Some comments we received:

• "I understand the concern other people may have, and although the news has been worrying, the life here in Riyadh remains safe and largely the same as usual. In fact, yesterday we went to see a contemporary art exhibition in Diriyah and went out for dinner afterwards."
• "It is business as usual, honestly. Saudi Arabia is a lovely country, feel very protected here. But … I am 46 years old, have been a nurse for over 17 years, travelling the world; this situation does not faze me at all. However, there are some young westerners here who are a bit freaked out, it's more their age and experience really."
• "Honestly, nothing has changed in Riyadh. We are living our lives as normal. If it wasn't for the media, I don't think we would have known what's going on!"
• "Things in Jeddah are calm and normal on a day-to-day basis. Life here continues as usual, and I personally feel safe going about daily activities. While there is sometimes concerning news on social media about the wider region, it hasn't impacted everyday life here in the city."
• "Jeddah from my prospective is very peaceful. Price for food is stable. Rent price is good. Work at the hospital is great. I am loving it here."

Similarly, in our office it has also been business as usual:

• we continue to receive new enquiries/applications from nurses and doctors
• candidates are continuing to relocate.

Probably we should not be surprised. For those onsite, they live in what I call a sort of cozy cocoon: it's sunny and warm; you have friends from around the world; gas is cheap; housing is provided; the cafes are open, etc.

Finally, to even pursue a career in healthcare in the first place, a person must have a high risk threshold.

Helen Ziegler