Norwegian Influencer Anny Isabella Stranded in Dubai Amidst Middle East Tensions
Norwegian influencer and TV personality Anny Isabella Øvrehus (27) is among the Norwegians currently stranded in Dubai following escalating tensions in the Middle East. The situation unfolded after attacks by the US and Israel on Iran, prompting retaliatory missile launches across the region, including towards Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
Chaos and Uncertainty in Dubai
Øvrehus, who was in Dubai with her boyfriend for a work-related trip, described the experience as “surreal” and “quite scary.” She shared updates on her Snapchat account, including videos of missiles in the sky as reported by TV 2. The city experienced explosions on Saturday afternoon, leading to widespread panic and the temporary closure of Dubai International Airport according to Se og Hør.
“The whole building we’re in is shaking and we’re starting to hear sounds,” Øvrehus texted to Se og Hør, describing the unsettling situation. She and her boyfriend were initially evacuated after hearing “loud bangs” near their location and received emergency alerts urging them to move away from windows and open spaces as detailed in Se og Hør.
Evacuation and Shelter
After the initial evacuation, Øvrehus and her boyfriend found themselves in a nearly deserted hotel, which she described as a “surreal” experience. They were eventually directed to a ballroom in the hotel basement, where other guests had gathered for safety. Hotel staff provided beds, food, and security, demonstrating remarkable calm amidst the chaos as reported by Se og Hør.
Øvrehus expressed her gratitude for the staff’s composure, noting their dedication to ensuring the safety of guests despite likely having their own families to worry about.
Flight Disruptions and Border Concerns
As of Tuesday morning, Øvrehus remains in Dubai, facing uncertainty regarding travel arrangements. She reported receiving messages from other Norwegians attempting to cross borders into Oman in a desperate effort to leave the region according to Dagbladet.
“Trump asks the Americans to get out, Norwegian is canceling all flights, I get messages from other Norwegians who are trying to cross the borders to Oman in desperation to get out. It’s clear I’m scared,” Øvrehus told VG.
She likewise highlighted reports of chaotic conditions at the airport, with flights being repeatedly canceled and reopened, and border crossings experiencing long queues and sudden closures.
Remaining Calm Amidst the Crisis
Despite the anxiety, Øvrehus is attempting to remain calm and take things “one day at a time.” She and her boyfriend are currently staying at the hotel, feeling safer among other tourists and staff than being isolated in their rented apartment. She acknowledged feeling “quite helpless” as they await updates on flight availability as reported by Ringerike Blad.