Students and workers escape war-torn UAE as evacuation costs soar

Evacuees from the Middle East have described their experience in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), as terrifying since the US-Israel war against Iran began on February 28.

Speaking at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Friday, the evacuees thanked the government for organising their repatriation through Kenya Airways (KQ).

However, several criticised the airline for hiking fares, warning that high costs might prevent many stranded Kenyans from returning home.

“The first day was probably the most stressful because suddenly it happened, and then we heard the bombs outside,” said Anita, a student studying in Abu Dhabi since August last year.

“It was genuinely terrifying. The government didn’t release much information to prevent panic, which made it difficult to understand what was happening. You would hear a missile being intercepted but not see it in the news because the government does not let a lot of news out,” she added.

Anita said that on the first and second days, many people hid in basements in Abu Dhabi because of fear, only coming out at dawn.

“By the third day, everyone was a little less scared. The government did a lot to reassure us, but there was a reason many of us left. Embassies started urging citizens to leave. Being a student away from home and family is frightening because you don’t know what will happen, so you feel unsafe,” she said.

Anita said she would continue monitoring the news because her friends are still stranded at the university. “Our flight was delayed because of missiles, but it’s definitely reassuring to be back home.”

She called on the Kenyan government to improve communication through its embassies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Minhaal Fazal, a student living 16 km from a US military base in Dubai and hailing from Tanzania, was relieved to be back. “The situation in the UAE was difficult. My flight was originally scheduled for April 18, but few flights were operating,” he said. He added, “We don’t have a direct flight from the Emirates to Tanzania, so I had to travel via KQ to Kenya. It’s good that I have arrived safely. I feel relieved to be back. Tomorrow, Inshallah, I will also return to my home in Mwanza.”

Fazal said the UAE defence system is effective, and whenever there was an alert, everyone’s phone would ring with instructions to either go to the basement or leave their rooms.

“So I think the system worked well, but as a precaution, we left the country to ensure our safety,” he said.

Njogu Ndamburi, who has worked as a banker in the UAE for over eight years, also expressed relief at being back home.

“Of course, this period has been quite challenging since Saturday. We appreciate the country’s efforts to repatriate us. My only comment is that information should reach everyone, not only those who are somewhat privileged in professional setups,” said Ndamburi, after arriving with his wife and two children.

He added that many people work in roles that make it difficult to afford the evacuation ticket, which costs USD 1,180 (Sh152,000), compared with the usual Sh70,000–72,000, and urged the government to consider assistance.

“Most of my friends and fellow Kenyans are in non-professional jobs—domestic workers, security guards, hotel concierge staff. At their wages, it is very difficult to afford a ticket costing over $1,180,” he said.

He continued: “I would request that ways be found to make the tickets more affordable, or even for the government to cover some costs, especially while promoting Kazi Majuu. But I appreciate the fact that there’s been an effort to repatriate us. Many colleagues from other countries do not have a similar opportunity and must travel via Oman, Riyadh, or Saudi. It is great that KQ could fly us from the UAE.”

Ndamburi said he had witnessed multiple bombings while there and hoped the situation would stabilise.

Fazal’s uncle, Mohamed, confirmed that flight costs had been increased. “They were somewhat expensive, but we understand the circumstances. Pilots and planes were taking risks flying into a war-torn zone. What matters is the safety of our children, and Kenya ensured that. It is remarkable,” he said.

Kenya Airways had not responded by press time regarding fare hikes, the number of passengers evacuated, or future flights.

The ongoing war between Israel and the United States against Iran has affected many Kenyans living in Middle Eastern countries—including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman—as students or workers.

Iran is retaliating by targeting US military training bases in these countries, affecting regional peace and security, with missiles and drones crossing airspace and causing damage. 

In a statement issued on Friday, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said there are more than 500,000 Kenyans residing across Middle Eastern countries.