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Tourists Stranded in Dubai After Attacks on Airport, Port
Hundreds of thousands of travelers across the Middle East are unable to leave as flights are grounded after Iran retaliates against U.S. and Israeli strikes.
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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Sarah Mettee and her husband from Nashville, Tennessee were in Dubai to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary when the attacks started. Instead of relaxing, they have 'seen and heard a lot of rockets' and are now stranded in the region along with hundreds of thousands of other travelers. The Dubai airport and port have been damaged, and the U.S. Embassy has told people to shelter in place.
Why it matters
The attacks on Dubai's critical infrastructure as a major international travel hub have left many tourists and business travelers unable to leave the region, disrupting travel plans and raising concerns about safety. The situation highlights the broader geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the potential for civilian impact from military conflicts.
The details
After the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran, the Islamic Republic retaliated with attacks on several neighboring countries, including the United Arab Emirates. The UAE's Defense Ministry said its air defenses intercepted 165 ballistic missiles, 2 cruise missiles, and over 540 Iranian drones over two days. This resulted in damage to the Dubai airport and port, as well as fires near iconic hotels. Hundreds of thousands of travelers are now stranded as flights have been grounded.
- On Sunday, the UAE's Defense Ministry said its air defenses had intercepted and stopped 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and more than 540 Iranian drones over two days.
- Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest international hub, was closed for the third consecutive day on Monday, although it is expected to reopen in the evening.
The players
Sarah Mettee
A 45-year-old woman from Nashville, Tennessee who was in Dubai with her husband to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary when the attacks started.
UAE Defense Ministry
The defense ministry of the United Arab Emirates, which said its air defenses had intercepted and stopped numerous Iranian missiles and drones.
Dubai International Airport
The world's busiest international airport, which was closed for three days due to the attacks.
What they’re saying
“We were really looking forward to this trip. It was not cheap and something we've never done before, just the two of us.”
— Sarah Mettee (NBC News)
“We just want to get home to our kids. We have family at home that takes care of them while we're gone, although I'm worried it could be 10, 12, 14 days that we're going to be here without our kids.”
— Sarah Mettee (NBC News)
What’s next
The Dubai airport is expected to reopen in the evening on Monday, but it is unclear how long it will take for flights and travel to return to normal in the region.
The takeaway
The attacks on Dubai's critical infrastructure have left many tourists and travelers stranded, disrupting plans and raising concerns about safety in the region. This situation highlights the broader geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the potential for civilian impact from military conflicts.
