Visiting Dubai on what was meant to be a short holiday, 33-year-old Natasha Kellies from Riversdale found herself caught in a rapidly changing situation as regional tensions escalated following retaliatory attacks by Iran, reports George Herald. 

The Department of International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco) has noted a significant increase in South Africans in the Middle East registered on its Travel Smart system, which allows South Africans abroad to provide travel details for safety updates and emergency assistance. 

Dirco says more than 6 400 citizens in the Middle East had registered by yesterday. 

Kellies arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) last Wednesday and was scheduled to return to South Africa this Sunday.  

However, the airport she was scheduled to fly from was closed after Iran fired a barrage of drones and missiles at Gulf states in retaliation for the United States and Israeli strikes. 

‘I feel safe’ 

Some people 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 says.  

“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.” 

She says the first emergency notification was received on Sunday, shortly before the explosions were heard.  

“That was the only time we felt a sense of panic,” she adds. 

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 says. 

Kellies says 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, she says 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, 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. 

South Africans in the Middle East register on Travel Smart 

Dirco has advised South African citizens who wish to evacuate cities and countries affected by the ongoing conflict to use official channels to facilitate their departure.
 
“This proactive measure is essential to prepare for an exit from the danger zone as soon as it is safe to secure passage,” the department said. 

The Travel Smart system can be accessed by clicking here. 

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.