by
Ryan Clement
This story begins on Friday, 20 February 2026, around 8am. I was savouring my double espresso ☕️ while texting a friend who was due to fly to Dubai the following Thursday. After some enquiries, I had booked a flight to Dubai for Saturday 7 March, just two weeks away. I was due to return to the UK on 16 March, and had booked three days in downtown Dubai. I had planned to spend Tuesday afternoon at the Museum of the Future and a night in Abu Dhabi before moving to a hotel in the Marina. Everything was organised and I was ready for culture, sunshine and all that.
On Thursday afternoon, I rang my friend as she and her family headed to the airport for their overnight flight to the UAE. Everything seemed fine.
On Friday 27 February, my son and I drove to Birmingham and stayed overnight at a hotel so we could drive to Anfield on Saturday to watch our football (soccer) team, Liverpool, play West Ham United at home. I listen to BBC World Service every morning, and this Saturday was no exception. I woke up to news of trouble in the Gulf region. Iran is just across the waters (the subject of much recent political discussion) from Dubai. I immediately texted my friend to check if she and her family were safe. Now a big question mark loomed over whether I might have to cancel my trip. As we drove to Liverpool, my son told me that Dubai had been “attacked.” I told him he was mistaken and that he shouldn’t believe everything he saw and heard on TikTok. We all know what happened next!
So, after booking just ten days earlier, on Monday 2 March I reluctantly cancelled everything. My friend and her family were stranded in the UAE beyond their scheduled stay, but, other than to say they are now back safely, that’s their story to tell.
The irony is I stayed at an iconic hotel that’s not much unlike the one I might have stayed in Dubai: The Atlantis!
I was hesitant to return to work and considered visiting Florida, the Dominican Republic or the Bahamas. After much thought, I settled for the Bahamas. As it happens, in 1999 I almost studied there. I only needed to return my application form, but I changed my mind at the last minute. Big Mistake! Having visited Barbados, Antigua, St Lucia, Tobago, St Vincent and, of course, many times, Grenada and Carriacou, I was adding Nassau to my Caribbean list. What a joy! What an experience! It was FAB-U-LOUS!
As for the Bahamas, it is stunning! As for Dubai, I may see you one day (as I landed back at Terminal 3 at Heathrow Airport, I turned to my right and saw a colourful plane, calling me. I say no more!)
Copyright © Ryan Clement 2026
Ryan Clement 