The cost is mounting for stranded travelers in the Middle East: 'That's a lot of money we were not intending to spend'

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Burj Khalifa skyline in Dubai obstructed by clouds.
The conflict in the Middle East has left tens of thousands stranded in the UAE.

Christopher Pike/Getty Images

I'm British, but I grew up in Dubai and feel totally safe here. Most residents are going about their days like normal.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Environment
Charlie Lovett on the beach in Dubai at sunset.
Charlie Lovett said he feels safe in Dubai despite strikes from Iran.

Charlie Lovett

Tourists who say they are stranded in the Middle East are launching GoFundMe campaigns to cover their hotel bills

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Shanice Day in Dubai
Shanice Day is one of the tourists stranded in Dubai who is using GoFundMe to cover unexpected costs.

Courtesy of Shanice Day

I'm moving from Miami to Dubai despite the Middle East conflict. My friends are begging me to cancel.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Rikki Dimitriadis eats dinner in Dubai
Rikki Dimitriadis has a one-way ticket booked to Dubai for the start of April.

Courtesy of Rikki Dimitriadis

What countries are doing to get their citizens home as the Iran war wreaks havoc on Middle East travel

Tech Insider : Business, Economy, Travel
Jeff and Rebecca Moses from Manchester, who were staying in Fairmont Bab Al Bahr hotel, Abu Dhabi, arriving at Terminal 4 of London Heathrow Airport on a flight from Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Picture date: Monday March 2, 2026.
Some British passengers flew home from Abu Dhabi on Monday

Yui Mok/PA Images via Getty Images

I've lived in the UAE for 17 years. I ran to the basement as missiles flew overhead — and I still feel safe.

Tech Insider : Business
A woman in a black tank top.
Rebecca Anne Proctor has been living in the UAE for 17 years; things are scary but she still feels safe.

Provided by Rebecca Anne Proctor

Texas couple stuck in Dubai after cruise was canceled says they can't get help from US: 'I want to know an exit plan'

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Side by side images of black smoke in the distance and Karen and Bob Carifee on the beach.
Karen and Bob Carifee were watching the sunset on the beach in Dubai when they heard loud noises and saw black smoke.

Karen Carifee

They moved to Dubai in pursuit of the expat dream. They're not giving it up so easily.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Style
A woman riding her bike in Dubai's Jumeirah area on March 2, 2026.
A woman rides a bicycle along the beach in Dubai's Jumeirah area on March 2, 2026.

Fadel SENNA / AFP via Getty Images

I'm a single mom, and my son was in Dubai with his nanny. I spent $2,500 to get back to him.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Style
Nicky Lazou with her son and dog.
Nicky Lazou said she spent $2,500 to get back to her son in the UAE.

Nicky Lazou

I flew to Dubai for my 30th birthday. Now I'm stranded 8,000 miles from home and terrified after the US strikes on Iran.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Young lady dressed in black, seated and holding a bouquet of white roses.
Shanice Day and her best friend are stuck in Dubai following the strikes in the Middle East.

Shanice Day

Subscribe to Dubai