This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Shanice Day, a 30-year-old stylist based in Houston, who is stuck in Dubai after traveling there to celebrate her birthday with a friend. It’s been edited for length and clarity.
I came to Dubai with one of my best friends. We left Texas on February 23 and arrived in Dubai early on the 24th, the day of my 30th birthday.
The hotel staff gave me a cake, roses, and drinks. They even sang “Happy Birthday.” It was wonderful. Every time I told someone it was my birthday, they made me feel special.
February 28 was meant to be the last full day of my birthday trip to Dubai. That was when the Iranian strikes started. Since then, we’ve been trying to get back to the US, but we’ve hit so many roadblocks.
I planned my birthday trip to Dubai about 5 months ago
I had planned this trip for my best friend and me about five months ago. We usually travel everywhere together. We decided that this time, Dubai would be a good place to go for such a big birthday. I’d always wanted to visit the Middle East.
At the start of our trip, we did a lot of cultural things. We visited a mosque, the Miracle Garden, and the beaches. We really indulged ourselves and tried so many different kinds of food.
Dubai is a beautiful city. Everyone here is very kind, and in my first few days, I felt the safest I’d ever felt. I never expected anything like this would happen here.
The final day of my trip
On Saturday, the 28th, I was shopping at the Dubai Mall. My best friend stayed behind to go to the beach at our resort.
When I went into a store, I asked the clerk if I could come back before my flight. He told me I might not be able to, and I didn’t understand why. I checked my phone and immediately saw that the US and Israel had struck Iran. My best friend called me and told me that I needed to get back to the resort.
I was shaken up by the strike in Dubai
We’re staying at a five-star hotel in the Jumeirah Beach Residence area. It’s not too far from the Fairmont The Palm, which caught on fire during an Iranian air attack on Saturday night. I didn’t see the smoke, but I heard the sounds from the air-defense systems.
In the US, we don’t hear things like that. It really shook me up. A lot. It felt like an out-of-body experience.
Sunday in Dubai felt very eerie. On Monday, we went out just to get a bite to eat, but the energy still felt off. I think people are trying to make the best of the situation, but the mood has shifted.
We broke down in tears when our flights from Dubai were canceled
Our flight was meant to depart on March 1 at 5.30. The night before, we were notified that it had been canceled. We broke down in tears. We’re 8,000 miles away from our family and friends. We don’t know when this will be over. We didn’t know how we were going to get out.
We immediately started looking for any way out. When we realized we couldn’t find one, our hearts broke. We were devastated and scared. I’m very spiritual, so we both started to pray.
My friends and family back in Texas are concerned about us. I had to tell my immediate family that I don’t know when we’ll make it home.
I feel traumatized and am hesitant to travel overseas right now
I’m trying to see the positive now: We’re still in Dubai, and we’re still safe. Our hotel has taken precautions to make us feel at home, but it’s still very traumatic.
I’ve been traveling since I was 14. I love experiencing different cultures, but this has been overwhelming. I’d say that traveling overseas will not be at the top of my priority list after this.
I’ll probably get therapy after this experience. I know it’s going to take me a while to build up the courage to travel again.
All I want is to get home to my dog, my cat, my mom, and my friends, and honestly, I even miss my job as a personal stylist.
I love Dubai, but I want to be home and at ease
My friend, who is watching my cat and dog while we’re away, FaceTimed me with my pets. I got to see my babies. I just want to see them again. I just want to feel normal again.
I’m not at ease, and I don’t think I will be until I cuddle up with my animals again.
But despite all this, I still love Dubai.
Do you have a story to share about leaving or trying to leave the United Arab Emirates? Contact this reporter at jzitser@businessinsider.com.
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