Deirdre McClean travelled to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates for a communications conference with her daughter, expecting a routine work trip. Within hours of their arrival, fighting erupted after Israel and the United States launched attacks on Iran, triggering missile strikes across the region. What began as distant concern quickly turned into fear as sirens sounded, guests were ordered to shelter indoors, and missiles were intercepted above their hotel.

Over the following days, McClean described repeated nights of explosions, shaking windows and little sleep as Iranian missiles targeted sites near Abu Dhabi and Dubai, including areas close to the airport. With beaches and pools closed and temperatures rising, hotel guests lived in limbo, clinging to hopes of departing flights that were repeatedly cancelled. McClean said she received minimal direct communication from Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs despite registering multiple times for assistance.

Frustration grew as other countries evacuated their citizens by bus to neighbouring states, while Irish travellers waited for clear instructions. Although the Irish Government eventually arranged a charter flight from Oman, McClean said she was never contacted about a seat, and the plane departed with dozens of empty places. She described the evacuation effort as devastating and shameful, leaving her and others stranded in an active conflict zone.