We were counting the hours as missiles flew overhead, says Indore delegates stranded in Dubai

Indore: "It appeared like early Diwali, but with a difference— no celebrations no sparkle. The Dubai skyline was all lit up and the sounds of huge explosions accompanied by fireballs raining down on the ground and sea as we watched in horror." This was the narration by Former MLA Vishal Patel, who along with a delegation from Indore including politicians and businessmen were stranded in Dubai, ever since the Israel-US and Iran war broke out.

Patel and the delegation comprising former Congress MLA Sanjay Shukla and industrialist Manish Shahra and Praveen Kakkad, returned to India on Tuesday evening


Talking to TOI Patel heaved a sigh of relief after reaching Indore. The group arrived in Dubai on February 26 and said the situation escalated within 48 hours, with the city turning into what they described as a combat zone.

"We saw missiles fired by Iran being intercepted in mid-air by Dubai forces and the loud sounds were deafening," Patel recounted. "

Patel said their return was scheduled for Sunday, but the report about airlines not operating was received late on Saturday and the group was advised to stay indoors. We obeyed the orders, but after the initial few hours every loud bank rattled each one of us. While we counted every agonizing hour as more missiles rained overhead and flight operations remained frozen.

Former MLA Sanjay Shukla said one strike landed just 300 meters away from our hotel. "The sheer force of the impact shook us to the core. It was our first true encounter with the brutality of war, and the panic was absolute" he said.

During their stay, the delegation received "Severe Alert" pop-ups from the Dubai govt and messages from the Indian Embassy advising them to seek immediate shelter and avoid public spaces.

The group said conditions began to ease on the evening of March 2 when limited operations resumed at Dubai International Airport. They travelled to Mumbai and then reached Indore. The situation at airports remained critical, with the only Sharjah–Indore flight cancelled consecutively since February 28, including on Tuesday.

Patel expressed gratitude to the Indian govt and authorities who facilitated their return, and said the memory of the "busted missiles" and the fear for their lives remained. The delegation's return ended a period of distress for their families, while hundreds of other travellers from Madhya Pradesh remained in the Gulf awaiting flights.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Holi wishes, messages and quotes !