A holiday trip to Dubai turned into a period of distress for a Ludhiana family after textile businessman Kapil Batra, 48, and his 20-year-old son Ishaan were stranded due to unrest in parts of the Middle East. The duo had travelled on February 24 for a week-long vacation but were unable to return home after their March 1 flight was cancelled.

Staying at a hotel about four kilometres from Dubai airport, they grew alarmed as unrest escalated nearby. According to Kapil’s brother, they could see and hear drones from their hotel balcony, and a nearby hotel was reportedly attacked. Fearing for their safety due to the proximity to the airport and an airbase, they relocated to a cousin’s residence in Dubai Marina.

While the two are currently safe, their family in Ludhiana remains anxious as the situation continues. Kapil informed them that local authorities have been advising residents to stay indoors, but the family said they have not received any communication regarding evacuation from Indian authorities. The family is now urging the government to arrange evacuation for stranded citizens at the earliest.