Indian badminton star PV Sindhu shares her frightening experience in Dubai amid Middle East tensions, however, she defended the UAE authorities against criticism and praised their management during the crisis.
PV Sindhu Defends UAE Authorities Over Dubai Airport Chaos Amid Middle East Tensions | AFP
Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, the United Arab Emirates is facing a serious security crisis. A series of retaliatory missile and drone strikes from Iran reportedly reached parts of Dubai, leading to casualties and the shutdown of airports. The situation caused widespread panic, leaving thousands stranded, including Indian badminton star PV Sindhu.
The two-time Olympic medallist took to social media to share her experience from Dubai in a video, where she was stuck with her team as airport operations were suspended.
On February 28, she also wrote on her Twitter, "It’s hard to process what’s unfolding right now. Hearing the interceptions overhead and seeing how quickly everything has escalated is honestly terrifying. So many disturbing videos are coming to light, and this is sadly the reality of what is happening.
Dubai is a city I deeply love, a place that has always felt safe and full of life, which makes this moment even harder to comprehend.
"I am safe right now, stuck here in Dubai with my team, and we are doing okay as the situation around the war with Iran continues to evolve. The Airport is chaotic, with many families stranded and waiting, all of us just hoping we get past this soon."
It’s hard to process what’s unfolding right now. Hearing the interceptions overhead and seeing how quickly everything has escalated is honestly terrifying. So many disturbing videos are coming to light, and this is sadly the reality of what is happening. Dubai is a city I deeply…
— Pvsindhu (@Pvsindhu1) February 28, 2026
A day later, on March 1, Sindhu shared a follow-up update, revealing how tense the situation had become.
"A few hours ago, there was an explosion close to where we were holed up at the airport. My coach had to quickly run out of the area as he was closest to the smoke and debris. It was an extremely tense and scary moment for all of us."
However, she also reassured her followers that the authorities were looking after them, esuring their safety.
"We are all safe now and have been moved to a more secure place, thanks to the tireless efforts of the staff at Dubai Airport and the Dubai authorities. A special thanks as well to the Indian High Commission in Dubai for their incredible support and constant assistance in helping keep us safe."
However, social media soon saw criticism directed at the Dubai authorities, with some users claiming that enough was not being done to manage the chaos and ensure passenger safety.
One user, Anish Gawande, alleged that stranded passengers were not receiving adequate support and that authorities were failing to help people return home.
🚨 India’s badminton star PV Sindhu narrated her harrowing ordeal as she was left stranded at Dubai airport on Saturday en route to the All England Open badminton tournament, after flight operations were suspended owing to escalation of tensions in the Middle East.
— Fortune India (@FortuneIndia) March 1, 2026
For more news… pic.twitter.com/AU7NYzuwPR
He said, "Passengers stranded in Europe are asked to wait days. Those in the Middle East are not given reliable updates. This is sham online PR with no relief to customers on the ground."
Sindhu, however, strongly disagreed. Responding directly to that tweet, she defended the Dubai airport staff and officials, praising their efforts and hospitality during the crisis.
"With all due respect, I have to disagree," she said.
Sindhu clarified that, "authorities here in Dubai have been incredibly supportive through a very difficult situation"
She further explained that as tensions escalated, they were looked after with genuine concern and efficiency. According to her, they were provided with hotel accommodation and informed clearly by the authorities that "until we are able to safely travel back, everything is being taken care of and covered. That reassurance alone brought a huge sense of calm."
Sindhu also admitted that there was no compromise when it came to safety.
" At every step, we have felt safe and looked after. The empathy being shown here is honestly out of this world. Every single person, from Emirates staff to immigration officials and the ground teams at the airport has gone above and beyond to help people who are stranded.
With all due respect, I have to disagree.
— Pvsindhu (@Pvsindhu1) March 1, 2026
The authorities here in Dubai have been incredibly supportive through a very difficult situation. From the moment things escalated, we were taken care of with genuine concern and efficiency. We were provided a hotel room and clearly… https://t.co/4niAVxqfN8
They are doing everything in their power to look after every individual affected, and that deserves respect and appreciation."
