From the Arab Spring forward, worried people back in the States have inquired about our safety, here in the Middle East. Given upheaval in Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Bahrain, Yemen … and civil war in Syria.

We understand their concern and appreciate it. From the other side of the Atlantic, “Middle East” must seem like one large, unified concept.

But it isn’t, especially when it comes to the current state of security in the UAE.

Egypt blew up again today. The military government forcibly removed protesters who were camped out in public spaces. The protesters were calling for the return of the ousted president Mohamed Morsi.

Hundreds were killed, according to early reports.

And while the whole of what is known around here as the MENA region (Middle East/North Africa) is paying close attention, Egypt’s woes — and those of Syria, for that matter — have almost zero impact on daily life here in the far northeastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula.

Egypt is nearly 1,500 miles from Abu Dhabi, nearly the same distance as Los Angeles is from Chicago.

Yes, Egypt is Arab and Muslim, and so is the UAE, but the countries are vastly different in income and lifestyle.

Egypt is nearly broke, and the roots of the discontent there certainly have economic underpinnings.

The UAE (and, especially, Abu Dhabi) is floating on huge pools of oil, and the standard of living is one of the highest in the world.

Egypt has a strong and influential military. The UAE’s military is nearly invisible, and its leaders are members of the royal family.

Egypt in distress is an issue for its neighbors. Libya, certainly. Perhaps Israel. Probably Sudan. But other than concern about ripples reaching here, Egypt is something to be watched with horror, from the UAE — not something to be internalized as likely to happen here barring catastrophic events.

So we are safe here. Or so we firmly believe.