UAE Expats Forge Paths Home Amid Regional Airspace Shutdown
As the conflict between Iran and Israel escalates, the temporary closure of airspace and widespread flight cancellations across the region have left numerous UAE residents stranded worldwide. This disruption has forced expatriates to embark on extraordinary and often grueling journeys to reunite with their families in the Emirates, highlighting their deep connection to a country many call home.
From Uganda to Dubai: A Costly and Fasting Ordeal
Abdul Sami Abdul Naeem Nabeel, a lifelong UAE resident born in Abu Dhabi in 1975, found himself trapped in Kampala, Uganda, after his business trip was cut short. He had traveled there on February 26 to explore granite and marble market opportunities, but his return flight with flydubai on February 28 was abruptly canceled when Dubai International Airport shut down. Stranded in a hotel with no clear way home, Nabeel refused to give up.
Driven by an unwavering determination, he booked a multi-leg journey with Ethiopian Airlines on March 3, flying from Kampala to Addis Ababa, then to Bangalore, India. From there, he reached Hyderabad to visit his mother before securing a ticket on Oman Air to Muscat on March 5. The final stretch involved a seven-hour taxi ride from Muscat to Dubai, totaling approximately Dh10,000 in combined flight and transport costs.
"While I was travelling, it was an extremely stressful time for me," Nabeel recounted, noting the additional challenge of fasting during the ordeal. Despite the hardship, his commitment to the UAE never wavered. "I've been born and living in this country for 50 years. My two daughters live here. There is no way we'll think of leaving, no matter what. We pray for Dubai to be in a safe zone. No matter what, we have a life in this country."
From Kerala to Al Ain: A Test of Loyalty and Solidarity
Dr. Thahira Kallumurikkal, an Indian clinical audiologist, social worker, and author based in Al Ain, faced a similar predicament. She had traveled to Kerala to receive the prestigious SK Pottekkatt award for her Malayalam novel Inthadhar and planned to extend her stay to visit her eldest son studying in India. However, news of the conflict broke on February 28, just after the award ceremony, leading to her flight cancellation.
With her husband and two younger children waiting in Al Ain, and their exams canceled in favor of online classes, Kallumurikkal could have asked her family to join her in India. Instead, she chose to return, arranging an e-visa to Oman to ensure smooth entry into Muscat before making her way back to Al Ain by road.
"I felt it was right to return," she explained. "I've worked closely with this government during the COVID pandemic. I was part of the Abu Dhabi health emergency operations team, and I worked as the Care Coordination Team Lead for Asian countries. I have witnessed first-hand how this government and its leaders take care of us, expats. So, I took it as an opportunity to show my loyalty to this country."
Kallumurikkal also spoke with other expats who chose to return despite having options to stay abroad. "How can we not return when this country gives us so much protection and reassurance? This is the time we need to show our solidarity and support."
The Broader Impact on Travel and Expat Resolve
The airspace shutdown has not only disrupted flights but also tested the resilience of the UAE's expatriate community. Many have undertaken long bus journeys or complex flight reroutes through multiple countries, driven by a shared desire to return to their homes in the Emirates. These stories underscore the profound bond between residents and the UAE, even in times of regional instability.
As conflicts like the Iran-Israel war create logistical nightmares, the experiences of individuals like Nabeel and Kallumurikkal serve as powerful reminders of the sacrifices and loyalty exhibited by those who have built their lives in the Gulf nation. Their journeys home, though arduous, reflect a steadfast commitment to the safety and community they have found in the UAE.
