British Holidaymakers Describe Terrifying Ordeal as Missiles Fly Over Dubai
British citizens Alison Woodward, 71, and Gul Woodward, 70, embarked on what should have been a relaxing beach holiday in Dubai last week, complete with sunshine and birthday celebrations. Instead, they found themselves caught in the crossfire of a rapidly intensifying regional conflict that has left thousands of travellers stranded across the Gulf.
"Missiles Were Flying Past Our Hotel"
"It was really scary. We were shaking," Alison told reporters, describing the air alerts and loud explosions that have echoed across Dubai since Saturday morning. The coordinated US-Israel strikes on Iran triggered retaliatory attacks on key US allies in the region, transforming their holiday into an anxious wait punctuated by missile and drone interceptions unfolding in the skies above.
The conflict has severely disrupted aviation across much of the Middle East, with several Gulf states temporarily closing their airspace as Iran continues to launch strikes on both military and civilian targets in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. Authorities confirmed that Iran launched 137 missiles and 209 drones at the UAE on Saturday, most of which were intercepted.
Airport Closures and Casualties
Dubai International Airport, one of the world's busiest hubs, remains closed after what was reported to be an Iranian strike that injured four people. On Sunday, an explosion near the airport sent a thick plume of black smoke into the air as a fresh wave of Iranian strikes rocked the Gulf states following the killing of Iran's supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes.
In Abu Dhabi, authorities confirmed that an incident at Zayed International Airport resulted in one death and seven injuries. Residential buildings, air traffic hubs, ports, and urban areas have also been hit across several Gulf states, creating widespread disruption and fear among residents and visitors alike.
Stranded in a Glass Tower
Alison and Gul are among thousands of travellers now stranded in Dubai, a glitzy tourist destination that attracted nearly 20 million visitors in 2025 and was previously considered one of the safest destinations in the world. "We flew into Dubai on February 25 and were supposed to fly back on March 2 after celebrating Gul's birthday," Alison explained.
The pair had checked travel advisories before departure and found no warnings suggesting imminent danger. "We did not see this coming," she admitted. "At least we're staying with family and not stuck in a hotel like many others. That's a big relief."
However, living in a high-rise building has brought its own anxieties. "We're on the 17th floor, and that doesn't feel very safe," Gul said. "The government's safety advice is to shelter indoors and stay away from glass windows. But the entire building is a glass façade."
On Sunday, when sirens sounded warning of an incoming missile, the two women hurried downstairs to the lobby, where they remained for several hours. Though they insist there is no panic and they are trying to remain calm, both say they want to return home as soon as possible.
International Travellers Share Similar Fears
An American couple, both doctors from California on their fourth holiday in Dubai, described the explosions and repeated missile interceptions as "really scary." Their five-year-old daughter has been terrified by the sound of explosions.
"We saw missiles flying past in front of our hotel. We've seen this in movies. Now we're living it," said the woman, who asked not to be identified. "It's the not knowing that keeps us anxious. We're worried these attacks could go on for weeks and that we won't be able to get home. That's unimaginable."
Martin, an Irish IT professional, and his wife were transiting through Dubai after honeymooning in New Zealand and Australia when their journey home took an unexpected turn. "We landed on Saturday at 1pm on an Emirates flight from Sydney and were heading to the gate for our connecting flight to Dublin," he explained. "Now we're in a hotel, not knowing when we'll be able to fly home."
He described chaotic scenes at the airport as flights were suspended. "We waited for more than six hours before anyone spoke to us and explained what was happening," he said. The couple are increasingly anxious to return to Ireland, where both are due back at work. "We don't even have our laptops with us. We need to get back to Dublin at any cost."
Government Response and Passenger Support
The UAE government has reassured stranded passengers that it will cover the costs of extended stays and related expenses. The Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi confirmed that accommodation costs for affected visitors would be covered by the state. In a statement, the General Civil Aviation Authority said the country's airports and national carriers had managed 20,200 passengers affected by flight rescheduling as authorities worked to minimise disruption.
David Drury, 65, a British national who lives in Portugal and works as a senior adviser to the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation in Abu Dhabi, said he was "impressed by the calm and organised" manner in which authorities handled the disruption.
"I was at the airport when they announced the flight cancellations. Within less than an hour, they had offered me accommodation. That was impressive," said David, who spends two to three weeks every few months in Abu Dhabi. With flights suspended, he said he would miss a keynote address at a European nuclear energy conference in Brussels, along with other business commitments.
He described being "more amazed than scared" to see missiles crossing the Dubai skyline. "It felt surreal like something out of British Pathé footage of London during the war," he said. "There's no point in panicking. If I'm stuck in Dubai for a few more days, I will find a golf course."
As the region braces for further escalation, thousands of travellers remain uncertain about when they might be able to return home, with many expressing both fear and frustration at their unexpected predicament in what was supposed to be a peaceful holiday destination.
