DUBAI – A British Columbia couple who were staying in Dubai when it came under attack by Iranian drones and missiles are urging fellow Canadians not to rely solely on the Canadian government for assistance in leaving the region. Jennifer and Graham Williamson, from B.C., experienced the attacks firsthand while at the Fairmont The Palm hotel, witnessing air-defence systems intercept projectiles and feeling the building shake from an explosion.
The couple’s experience highlights the challenges Canadians face when caught in international crises, and raises questions about the extent of Ottawa’s ability to provide timely assistance. With ongoing instability in the Middle East, the Williamsons are advising Canadians in Dubai to proactively seek their own travel arrangements rather than waiting for potential government-organized departures. This advice comes as Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced on Wednesday that the federal government was assisting approximately 2,000 Canadians trapped in the Middle East, with charter flights expected from the UAE within two days and support for departures from Lebanon.
“We just got hit,” Graham Williamson texted his wife after the initial impact at the Fairmont The Palm. The couple spent subsequent days observing air-defence activity from the hotel pool before securing a flight to Madrid on Thursday. Williamson, who is the CEO of an international emergency medevac company and has extensive experience in conflict zones, believes that the United Arab Emirates has established a safe air transportation corridor, allowing Canadians to book one-way flights to major European cities. He emphasized the volatile nature of the situation, stating, “My advice is abandon now. Calm reassurance should not be taken as a sign not to immediately leave the region by appropriate means, while those options are still available. The situation is incredibly fluid, and volatile.”
Drone Strike Signals Escalation
The attack on the Fairmont hotel was among the first retaliatory strikes by Iran following the U.S. And Israel’s massive attack last Saturday, according to the Associated Press. Williamson described the event as “the opening to the war, which it was,” noting that Iranian missiles and drones have impacted the UAE, challenging Dubai’s reputation as a safe haven. He observed that despite the attacks, the city largely maintained its normal pace of life, though roads were quieter and some residents were taking precautions.
The UAE is reportedly covering the costs of accommodation, meals, and flight rebooking for foreign guests affected by the attacks. Williamson noted the effective response of local authorities, stating, “The firefighters did a great job and cleaned up the mess – and the fire alarm didn’t even travel off.” He also recounted receiving warnings on their phones to seize cover, followed by the sound of a missile impacting a nearby hotel.
Canada’s Response and Independent Travel Options
While the Canadian government is working to assist citizens abroad, Williamson believes individuals should take matters into their own hands. He stated, “Canada’s response has not been underwhelming – rather, they are constrained by the situation. Travellers cannot, and should not, rely on the government to rescue them.” He highlighted the availability of one-way flights from Dubai to European destinations as a viable option for Canadians seeking to leave.
The situation underscores the complexities of providing consular assistance during rapidly evolving international crises. The Canadian government’s efforts to assist citizens in the Middle East include supporting departures from both the UAE and Lebanon, with approximately 2,000 Canadians currently needing assistance, according to Minister Anand’s announcement.
Despite the unrest, Williamson observed that many expatriates in the UAE feel safe and do not intend to leave. He praised the UAE government’s handling of the situation, noting their measured approach to maintaining order and protecting residents. He recalled a scene at a local mall where a woman was stockpiling toilet paper, a moment that reminded him of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable, Canadians in the region are encouraged to stay informed, exercise caution, and consider their individual travel options. The coming days will be critical in assessing the long-term impact of the escalating tensions and the effectiveness of international efforts to ensure the safety of citizens abroad.
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Have you or someone you know been affected by the situation in Dubai or the broader Middle East?
