Hampshire Couple Recounts Harrowing Nine-Hour Escape from Missile-Hit Dubai
An elderly Hampshire couple describes their mentally exhausting journey home from Dubai after being stranded by missile attacks. Their nine-hour coach trip across multiple borders was fraught with tension and uncertainty.
An elderly couple from Hampshire has recounted their harrowing escape from Dubai after being stranded for over a week due to missile attacks. Ann and Ron Upfield, aged 81 and 86, were on a week-long holiday when their plans were disrupted by the conflict.
Key Points
- ✅ Couple stranded in Dubai due to missile attacks
- ⚡ Nine-hour coach journey across multiple borders
- 💡 Final leg of journey involved a flight from Muscat, Oman
The couple, who reside on the edge of Swanmore, were due to return home on March 1 but did not make it back until March 10. Their escape involved a perilous nine-hour coach ride from Dubai to Muscat, Oman, where they finally caught a flight home.
| Location | Time Spent | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | Over a week | Stranded due to missile attacks |
| Muscat, Oman | Several hours | Final departure point |
Ann described the experience as 'mentally draining,' with the couple forced to take shelter in their hotel's basement multiple times a day due to the ongoing attacks. The journey to Muscat involved a taxi ride to the Fairmont Hotel in Dubai, which had been struck by a missile, and a subsequent coach ride that took them through multiple borders.
The couple faced numerous challenges during their journey, including a spot check at the border where suitcases were inspected for alcohol. They arrived at the airport in Muscat at 4:30 PM but were not allowed in until 6:30 PM due to their early arrival.
💡 Pro Tip
When traveling to regions with political instability, always have a backup plan for your return journey and keep important documents readily accessible.
Ann expressed relief upon arriving in Oman, where they were safe from the missile attacks. However, their journey was not over yet. They had to wait until 11:30 PM for the check-in to open before finally boarding their flight home.
- First — Taxi ride to the Fairmont Hotel in Dubai
- Second — Coach ride to a shopping mall to change coaches
- Third — Border crossing and suitcase inspection
- Fourth — Arrival at Muscat airport and wait for check-in
The flight home was tense, with Ann nervous about flying over Saudi Arabia due to the missile attacks. However, their relief upon landing was palpable, with passengers clapping and cheering as the plane touched down. Their daughter, Elizabeth, was there to greet them in an emotional reunion.
- 📊 The couple's experience highlights the unpredictability of travel in conflict zones
- 🔍 Their journey involved multiple modes of transportation and border crossings
- ⚠️ Travelers should be prepared for unexpected delays and changes in plans
Ann and Ron's story serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by travelers in regions affected by conflict. Their resilience and determination to return home safely are a testament to their strength and the support of their family.
📋 By The Numbers
- 81 and 86 — Ages of Ann and Ron Upfield
- March 1 — Original return date
- March 10 — Actual return date