Manya Singh on being stranded in Dubai: The situation here is very tense

As escalating regional tensions led to explosions, airspace restrictions, and flight suspensions in parts of the UAE, several international travellers were left stranded in Dubai.

Among them is Bigg Boss contestant and Miss India 2020 Runner-up Manya Singh, who found herself alone in the city after her scheduled return flight was suspended. Manya travelled to the UAE on February 26 to attend a college conference as a keynote speaker. Speaking to us from Dubai, she says, “Everybody else left on the night of the 27th, but I decided to stay back. I had booked a 2.50 pm flight on February 28 from Abu Dhabi.” Her flight was subsequently suspended, leaving her stranded.

She says, “The situation here is extremely tense.” Manya says, “On Saturday, when I was at the Dubai airport, I saw explosions around the area and missiles flying. It was a frightening moment. Even now, I can hear explosions. Roads are shut, and there is hardly any movement outside. I am alone and scared, but I cannot afford to panic because that will only make things worse.” She also described a close call regarding her accommodation.

She says, “I was initially meant to stay at Fairmont The Palm, as the airport authorities were arranging rooms for stranded passengers. However, they couldn’t secure one for me there. About half an hour later, we heard that the hotel had been attacked (reportedly hit by debris from a missile intercepted by the UAE’s defences). It’s right opposite CIEL Dubai Marina, where I’m currently staying.

”With no official communication on when flights will resume, the uncertainty has become the most difficult part of the situation.

She says, “Mine was the first flight to be suspended, and there’s been no update since. My international network isn’t working, so I’m relying entirely on Wi-Fi. I texted the embassy on several numbers on WhatsApp, and they shared a manual process, but without mobile network access, I couldn’t complete it.

Thankfully, the UAE authorities are taking care of stranded passengers, and Etihad has assured us they’ll inform us about the next available flight.” Local advisories have asked guests to remain indoors and avoid sitting near mirrors and windows. Manya says, “We’re strictly following the protocols and staying inside our rooms. I just hope flights resume soon so I can go home. At this moment, I truly feel India is safe, and I’m grateful to be an Indian.” Back home in India, her family is closely tracking developments through news reports and is extremely anxious about her safety. She says, “They are dependent on the news, so every update makes them panic. They keep calling to check on me, and I reassure them as much as I can. My priority has been to keep them calm. I’ve even informed the hotel staff to contact my family in case of any emergency.”