I'm an American stuck in Dubai. I just want to get home in time for my kid's 1st birthday.
Business Insider
March 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Cody Greene, a 36-year-old business development manager from Tampa, found himself caught up in the chaos of Dubai during a tense geopolitical period. Greene arrived in Dubai on Friday for a work conference, planning to stay for a week and attend meetings before flying home in time for his son's first birthday. However, his plans were disrupted when he witnessed the fallout from US-Iranian tensions, including drone attacks and emergency alerts, which left him anxious but ultimately impressed by Dubai's robust missile defense system.
On Saturday, Greene was caught off guard by news of Iranian attacks on nearby Abu Dhabi, sparking fear as he navigated the city. Despite the unfolding crisis, locals seemed unfazed, with people going about their daily routines. Greene initially felt safe in his hotel but grew uneasy after seeing a drone attack intercepted near Burj Khalifa and receiving emergency notifications. He sheltered in his bathroom for an hour, overwhelmed by the uncertainty.
By Sunday, Dubai's air defense system had demonstrated its effectiveness, intercepting multiple drones and missiles. This reassured Greene enough to return to normal activities like golfing and getting a massage. However, his attempt to fly home has been fraught with challenges: his Air Canada flight was canceled, and subsequent bookings were also disrupted. Despite the difficulties, he remains hopeful about catching a flight out on Wednesday.
Greene's experience highlights the unpredictable nature of international travel during geopolitical instability. His story underscores the importance of preparedness for business travelers and the reliance on local governments and infrastructure in such crises. The situation in Dubai also raises questions about the broader implications for global business operations, especially in regions prone to sudden escalations in tensions.
Ultimately, Greene's ordeal serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between travel, work, and personal life during times of uncertainty. His journey from initial fear to cautious optimism reflects both the challenges and resilience required in navigating such situations. As he awaits his flight home, Greene remains grateful for Dubai's effective response and hopeful about reuniting with his family soon.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 3/2/2026