Blast in Abu Dhabi camp, Indian workers stranded amidst US-Israel-Iran tensions
A Chandigarh business family, including two toddlers, was on a 10-day Dubai holiday, set to return March 3 but with airspace shut, they're unsure of their return
A massive blast rocks a camp in Abu Dhabi, sending panicked birds fleeing amidst multiple azaans echoing in the smoke-ridden skies, and a mushroom cloud rising less than a mile away. Thousands of Indian workers, mostly Punjabis, are stranded in Abu Dhabi and Dubai due to flight cancellations amid escalating US-Israel-Iran tensions.
A Chandigarh business family, including two toddlers, was on a 10-day Dubai holiday, set to return March 3. With airspace shut, they’re unsure of their return. “We’ve contacted the Indian embassy and filled a form. We’re hopeful the government will announce an evacuation plan soon. For now, we’re staying in the hotel, but the staff are unsure what’s happening,” the businessman’s wife said.
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Another Chandigarh businessman, en route to Berlin, is stuck in Dubai after his connecting flight was cancelled due to air strikes on Iran.
Meanwhile, masons, builders, drivers, construction workers, and hospitality staff are stranded with suspended work and fearing strikes.
Pawan, a JCB driver from Pandori Jagir, Nakodar, is stranded in an Abu Dhabi camp, watching missiles overhead. “A missile fell less than a mile away, sending our neighbourhood into chaos,” he said.
Gagandeep (24), an Abu Dhabi building worker from Ghugshore, Jalandhar, says, “We’re stuck inside camps with 2,000-4,000 Indians, mostly Punjabis. The neighbouring camp was hit. It’s scarier at night.”
Inder Grewal (25), a Dubai driver from Doraha, Ludhiana, says his camp has 2,500 Indians and Pakistanis. “We’re relatively safe, 200-250 miles from the action, but visitors are fearful,” he said.
Inder Grewal (25) hailing from Doraha in Ludhiana, a driver at Dubai, also has about 2,500 Indians, predominantly Punjabis, at his camp.
Grewal says, “There are Indians and Pakistanis at my camp. Our camp is relatively safer from the war action as the real commotion is about 200 to 250 miles away. In our area, some missiles fell 25 to 30 km away, but we’re fine. Indian visitors, especially those scheduled to return, are fearful, but they’ve been put up at hotels, malls, and other safe places.”
