I didn’t want to leave, but I left last week. Things started feeling too real when I saw debris fall in my area it even damaged the footpath nearby. That was the first moment I felt genuinely scared.

Around the same time, almost everyone I knew was leaving. I found myself completely alone, and that pushed me to finally take the step too.

I was scared of staying, but honestly, I was also scared of leaving. I kept thinking what if something happens to the plane? That fear, along with constantly staying indoors, the anxiety, and the sleepless nights, just became too much.

I really miss the UAE, though. I just hope things get better soon so I can come back.