Lebanon Expats In UAE In Desperate Bid To Bring Families To Safety
As tensions escalate between Israel and Hezbollah, Lebanese expats in the UAE are facing a highly volatile situation and are struggling to find ways to bring their families to safety. With limited flight options and sky-high ticket prices, many are resorting to desperate measures to ensure the safety of their loved ones. The unavailability of flights and the exorbitant ticket prices, some exceeding Dh42,000 for a one-way journey from Beirut to Dubai, have added to the expats’ woes.
The Risky Situation Involving Land Travel
Dubai resident Hamed expressed concerns about the risky situation surrounding land travel, particularly through the borders with Syria, which is the only way out of Lebanon by land. With reports of civilians being killed following Israeli air strikes in Damascus, many expats are wary of the dangers of crossing the border and are exploring other options to bring their families to safety. The cost of plane tickets is another major hurdle, with Hamed calculating that he needs over Dh160,000 to bring his family out of Lebanon.
Limited Flight Options and Suspended Services
Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport is still operational, but with limited flights, mainly operated by Middle East Airlines. Direct flights between the UAE and Lebanon have been suspended, with major carriers like Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Flydubai cancelling flights until early October. Passengers transiting through Dubai and Abu Dhabi with a final destination to Beirut are not being accepted for travel, further complicating the situation for stranded Lebanese residents.
Surge in Enquiries and Alternative Routes
Travel agents have reported a surge in enquiries from Lebanese residents looking for possible routes to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah. Some travellers are considering crossing the border into Syria and then flying to Sharjah with Cham Wings Airlines, a private Syrian carrier. Others are opting for flights to Amman before continuing on to the UAE. Only those with valid UAE tourist or residency visas are allowed entry into the country, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Desperate Times Call for Prayers and Hope
While some expats are frantically trying to book flights, others are advising their relatives to remain where they are for now and praying for their safety. With the situation on the ground remaining highly volatile, many are hesitant to risk their loved ones’ lives by attempting to move them out of Lebanon. Despite the challenges and fears, the expats remain hopeful and rely on prayers to ensure the safety of their families during this tumultuous time.
Final Thoughts
The escalating Israel-Hezbollah conflict has left Lebanese expats in the UAE in a precarious situation, with limited flight options, high ticket prices, and suspended services adding to their struggles. As they navigate the challenges of bringing their families to safety, expats are faced with difficult decisions and uncertainties. While some choose to stay and pray for their loved ones’ safety, others are exploring alternative routes and options to ensure the well-being of their families. The coming days will test the resolve and resilience of the Lebanese expat community in the UAE as they strive to overcome the obstacles in their path to safety.
