As the conflict in the Middle East intensifies, tens of thousands of individuals find themselves trapped across the Gulf region, facing dwindling options to leave an area rapidly engulfed by escalating hostilities. The closure of airspace over Qatar has left approximately 8,000 travelers stranded after being caught mid-transit when U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran commenced. Meanwhile, only a handful of flights have been permitted to depart from the United Arab Emirates since Monday, forcing tourists and expatriates alike to scramble for alternative routes amid Iran’s missile and drone strikes targeting multiple Gulf countries.
The strategic importance of cities like Dubai and Doha cannot be overstated, as they serve as vital hubs linking east and west air travel. These cities facilitate the movement of tens of thousands of passengers daily, acting as key transit points for flights connecting Europe and Asia. However, the current conflict has severely disrupted this flow, leaving many travelers stranded and desperate to find a way out of the increasingly volatile region.
One such traveler, Sara, a resident of Dubai who preferred to withhold her last name, is preparing for an arduous 33-hour journey to Germany. Her motivation is deeply personal: she must attend her brother’s wedding next week as the best woman, a commitment she refuses to jeopardize due to potential flight delays. Originally booked for a flight next week, Sara decided to depart earlier to avoid any risk of disruption. She arranged for a driver she found online, whom she trusts, to pick her up at 5 a.m. on Wednesday and drive her across the border into Muscat, Oman. From there, she plans to catch a flight to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where she will spend the night before continuing her journey via Amsterdam to Düsseldorf. Despite the length and complexity of the trip, Sara considers it essential to ensure she fulfills her family obligations.
The broader geopolitical backdrop adds further complexity to the situation. U.S. President Donald Trump initially estimated that the conflict might last four to five weeks. However, the situation has since escalated, with Iran launching missile and drone attacks not only against Israel and U.S. military forces but also targeting allied countries across the region. This has led to direct assaults on U.S. embassies in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, prompting the U.S. State Department to urge American citizens to evacuate immediately from more than a dozen countries in the Gulf and surrounding areas.
In response to the deteriorating security environment, several governments, including the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, and Germany, have begun orchestrating evacuation efforts. Germany, for instance, has chartered two special flights—one departing from Riyadh and another from Muscat—to repatriate particularly vulnerable nationals among the estimated 30,000 foreigners stranded in the region. Slovenia has also taken proactive measures by organizing four police-escorted buses to transport its citizens from Dubai to Muscat airport. However, for many other travelers, the challenge remains daunting: how to reach departure points amid widespread flight cancellations and closed airspace.
Within the UAE, a country usually bustling with tourists and serving as a major business hub, many desperate travelers like Sara have resorted to unconventional means to escape. Shuttle buses and private car services have become vital lifelines for those attempting to cross into Oman, which has so far avoided the brunt of the conflict and kept its airspace open. Oman Air and budget carrier SalamAir have arranged shuttle buses running from a station in Sharjah, north of Dubai, to Muscat, operating between Tuesday and Thursday. This overland journey takes roughly eight hours, offering a rare but arduous escape route for stranded passengers.
Online communities on platforms such as Facebook and Reddit have become crucial information hubs, with expatriates sharing queries and advice on how to reach Muscat’s airport. Tour operators report a surge in demand for private rides to the border town of Hatta, located about an hour from Dubai in the UAE’s mountainous region. Previously, this 150-kilometer route was mostly frequented by Omanis visiting Dubai or by hikers exploring Oman’s scenic landscapes. Now, however, it serves as a critical corridor for those fleeing the Gulf conflict. Drivers have noted an increase in Ukrainian citizens seeking passage out of the UAE, with arrangements made for Omani taxis and private vehicles to meet travelers on the other side of the border, as UAE-registered cars are not permitted to operate in Oman unless fully owned by the driver.
Saudi Arabia also offers an alternative exit route for those trapped in neighboring Gulf states. A British expatriate living in Riyadh recounted his experience of returning to Saudi Arabia after an 11-hour journey from Dubai following the outbreak of hostilities. He described the trip as smooth, facilitated by a driver who took him to the Al Ghuwaifat border crossing, where another driver awaited to transport him to Riyadh. To coordinate such trips, WhatsApp groups have emerged, enabling travelers to share rides and navigate the complex logistics of leaving the region. However, the cost of these journeys has surged dramatically; for example, the Dubai-Riyadh trip now costs over $1,000, a significant increase compared to the usual economy-class airfare of around $200 between these two Gulf hubs.
As the conflict continues to unfold, the plight of thousands stranded in the Gulf highlights the broader human impact of geopolitical tensions. With airspace restrictions, escalating military actions, and limited evacuation options, many are forced to undertake long, costly, and uncertain journeys to reach safety. The situation remains fluid, and the coming days will be critical in determining how effectively governments and airlines can respond to the urgent need for safe passage out of this troubled region.
