Noida: What began as a routine trip to the United Arab Emirates turned into a frightening ordeal for a resident of Sector-36 in Noida, who remained stranded in the country for eight days amid missile alerts, drone activity and repeated air-raid sirens.
Kailash, who had travelled to the UAE with his wife, described the experience as one of the most terrifying moments of his life. Surrounded by emergency warnings, explosions and uncertainty, the couple spent several days confined mostly to their hotel before finally managing to return to India.
Sirens started soon after landing in Abu Dhabi
Kailash said the tense situation began almost immediately after they landed at Abu Dhabi Airport. After arriving, they boarded a bus to travel toward the city. During the journey, multiple warning sirens began sounding along the route.
At that time, we had no idea what was happening. Only later did we realise there had been attacks.
Kailash
About an hour later, they reached their hotel. Shortly after settling in, they learned from other people there that explosions had been reported in different parts of the city and that the glass windows of some hotels had shattered due to the impact.
Advised to move to Dubai for safety
As the situation grew tense, their local guide advised them not to move around in Abu Dhabi and suggested they shift to Dubai, which was believed to be comparatively safer at that moment.
Following the advice, Kailash and his wife travelled by bus to Dubai.
Drones and alerts created constant fear
Even before reaching Dubai, Kailash began receiving several alerts on his mobile phone warning about missile strikes and drone activity in different areas.
When they arrived, he noticed that the city appeared unusually quiet. Authorities issued advisories asking people to avoid unnecessary movement and remain in safe locations.
Kailash said whenever they attempted to step outside or go to the hotel terrace, drones could be seen flying in the sky. At times, distant explosions were heard, and smoke could be seen rising from some areas.
The couple spent sleepless nights in hotel
The tense atmosphere left the couple deeply anxious. Kailash said they could barely sleep for three nights because of the continuous sounds of blasts and alerts.
Every explosion felt like an earthquake.
Kailash
Their return flight to India was scheduled for March 3. However, due to the attacks, airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi were temporarily shut and their flight was cancelled, leaving them stranded.
Daughters in India remained in constant contact
Kailash said his four daughters, who were in India, remained in constant contact with them throughout the ordeal. The family was extremely worried and kept praying for their safe return.
He also recorded some of the sounds of explosions on his phone and regularly updated his family about the situation.
Flight is finally available from Ras Al Khaimah
After several days of uncertainty, Kailash learned that flights were operating from Ras Al Khaimah Airport, located nearly 400 kilometres from Dubai. The couple travelled there hoping to secure seats on a flight back to India.
Even during this journey, drones could be seen flying overhead, which kept passengers on edge.
Kailash
Relief only after the aircraft took off
The tension did not end even after boarding the plane. Kailash said passengers had already fastened their seat belts when the flight was initially cancelled again.
For about 45 minutes, passengers remained seated inside the aircraft. Later, the pilot suddenly announced that the flight would depart immediately and asked everyone to keep their seat belts fastened.
Only after the plane took off did we finally feel that we were returning home safely.
Kailash
District administration kept checking on family
Kailash stated that during his time of being stranded, no embassy official directly contacted him. However, the Greater Noida district administration took note of the situation. District Magistrate Medha Roopam instructed the control room team to remain in touch with him. Officials called several times to check on his safety and reassure the family. Kailash expressed gratitude to the district administration for supporting his family and staying connected during the difficult period.