Former Yarrawonga P-12 student Evita Williams who works as an Emirates flight attendant and was based in Dubai when the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran began on February 28.
Iran has targeted multiple Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Bahrain, in response to joint US–Israeli strikes on Iranian leadership and infrastructure.
Evita, who was still stuck in the UAE on Friday, March 6, said that the situation is still “very unstable and unpredictable”.
“It’s something none of us expected to experience, and it has been quite confronting,” she told the Yarrawonga Chronicle.
“That said, I’m doing my best to stay positive and grounded despite everything that’s happening.
“On the first day of the current situation escalating, I witnessed multiple bombs being intercepted and exploding in the air above.
“It’s honestly the kind of moment that feels surreal, something you would usually only ever see on the news or in movies.”
Evita said she never truly believed she could find yourself in that sort of environment until you see it, hear it and feel it in real time.
“It was shocking and sobering, to say the least.”
But for now, Evita said she believes she is in a stable place.
“I’m incredibly grateful the UAE authorities have been doing everything they can to protect the country and the people within it, and there’s a strong sense that safety and order are being prioritised.
“That gives me and my family back in Australia some reassurance.”
Evita’s parents have spent the past week nervously hoping their daughter remains safe amid the turmoil of the conflict.
“It doesn’t look like it’s going to end anytime soon,” Evita’s father Rohan said.
“It’s been very traumatic for Evita. On the first day it began, she slept on the concrete floor of a car park, which was deemed to be the safest spot while missiles and drones were exploding in the air around her.
“After that, she travelled away from Dubai to a nearby peninsula town and stayed in a motel, but had to go back on Wednesday (March 4), because Emirates were beginning the process of restarting some flights.
“She remains in a hotel now, waiting for Emirates to notify her to return to work,” he said.
Rohan said they feel helpless not being able to help her, but she remains in constant contact with the family and has the support of a close friend in Dubai.
“It is reassuring that she has support and someone else with her throughout this ordeal,” he said.
“Emirates do treat their staff well, and Evita has been well looked after, flying all over the world and experiencing different cultures.
“We hope she arrives home safely sooner rather than later and appreciate all the well wishes and support people have given us.”
Evita began working in her dream job with Emirates around two years ago as a flight attendant and moved to Dubai.
“It’s really unfortunate that this is happening, especially considering I moved here from Australia about a year and a half ago and have genuinely loved building a life here,” she said.
“The opportunities, experiences and people I’ve met have made it so special.”
The first Sydney-bound flight from Dubai since the conflict started departed on March 4. Some commercial flights carrying hundreds of Australians have left Dubai as airlines keep their planes grounded after the outbreak of war in the Middle East.
Roughly 24,000 Australians are currently in the UAE, with 115,000 in the wider region.
“For now, I’m taking things one day at a time, staying informed and leaning on the support around me,” Evita said.
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