GEORGE NEWS - Visiting Dubai on what was meant to be a short holiday, the 33-year-old Natasha Kellies from Riversdale found herself caught in a rapidly changing situation as regional tensions escalated following retaliatory attacks by Iran.
Kellies arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday 25 February and was scheduled to return to South Africa this Sunday, 8 March.
However, the airport was closed amid the escalation after Iran had fired a barrage of drones and missiles at Gulf states in retaliation for the US and Israeli strikes.
Some residents and visitors in Dubai ran for cover when air raid alerts sounded, while others stood watching the sky as interception systems responded.
"The initial attacks were unsettling, and hearing the interception explosions was frightening at first," Kellies said. "However, the UAE's air defence response has been highly effective, which has provided reassurance. I feel safe, and daily life is continuing as normal. Restaurants and shops remain open, and we are carrying on with our holiday while staying alert and mindful of developments."
Kellies confirmed that she had witnessed missiles in the sky and heard explosions, which were later confirmed to be interceptions by Dubai's air defence systems targeting missiles directed at US-linked sites in the emirate.
She said the first emergency notification was received on 1 March, shortly before the explosions were heard. "That was the only time we felt a sense of panic," she said.
Despite the airport closure, she has not felt the need to purchase extra supplies. "Being here is very different from what is being projected online," she added.
Kellies said she saw travellers waiting for hours for updates from the airlines after their flights were suspended, with some forced to extend their stays.
She is currently staying on the same road as the Fairmont Hotel, which was struck by debris from an interception. The incident caused a fire, but the building was not hit directly by a missile.
As of Monday 2 March, she said the situation had quietened down. Her main concern now is uncertainty about when flights will resume and when she will be able to return home.
By Tuesday morning, Dubai International Airport had begun resuming limited flight operations, although services remain restricted and subject to ongoing airspace and security assessments. Airlines are operating on an adjusted schedule, with delays and cancellations still possible. Travellers have been advised to confirm arrangements directly with their airlines before heading to the airport.
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