The Emirates’ reputation as a safe destination in a volatile area was put to a brutal test in recent days as Iran, retaliating against U.S.-Israeli attacks, targeted the region with missiles and drones.

Iran’s ongoing retaliatory strikes against the United States and Israel have extended into the Gulf, with missiles and drones damaging Dubai’s main international airport terminal and iconic landmarks such as the Burj Al Arab hotel and parts of the Palm Jumeirah.

Shanice Day, a Houston native, faces challenges returning from Dubai after a US-Israel strike on Iran disrupted her birthday trip plans.

The United Arab Emirates says its air defences are responding to a barrage of ballistic missiles launched from Iran, with the Ministry of Defence declaring it at “full readiness” to protect the country.

Travellers are being told not to proceed to the two Dubai airports unless they have been contacted directly by their airline with a confirmed time of departure.

Wynn and MGM are in close contact with employees there, although the companies’ multibillion-dollar projects were untouched strikes that hit other hotels.

Emirates and FlyDubai said they were making a small number of flights to and from Dubai starting Monday night after shutting down because of airstrikes in the region.

Former U.S. Open tennis champion Daniil Medvedev has indicated he’s one of what the ATP Tour calls “a small number of players and team members” it is trying to help leave Dubai as the war in the Middle East causes a widespread travel shutdown that has also caused issues for athletes heading to the Paralympics.

Jonny Bairstow has issued a plea to Sir Keir Starmer to “get us home” after being stranded in Dubai with his family. Bairstow had been on holiday in the United Arab Emirates when the nation was hit by rocket strikes from Iran following the American and Israeli attacks on Tehran.