Catherine and Roger Crawford, a couple from Bangor in County Down, arrived in Dubai from Dublin on the morning of Saturday, February 28. They had booked a stay at The W Dubai on the Palm for its facilities including pools, bars, restaurants, and marina access.

Catherine works for Q Radio. Roger serves as a consultant for NI Water. Catherine's mother Diane lives in Bangor.

On arrival, Catherine received a phone call from her mother about suspended flights. At a rooftop bar brunch, guests heard a loud noise and saw fire in the distance. Catherine learned a nearby hotel on the Palm had been hit by a drone. Three missiles passed over one of their hotel's restaurants that day.

Around 8pm, three missiles flew over the rooftop bar, prompting staff to move guests inside. At midnight, an SOS alert sounded. The next morning at 6am, Diane called again as news of the conflict reached Bangor.

Catherine told Roger the situation had turned serious. Hotel bars, restaurants, and pools closed for days. Security blocked exits to keep guests safe. Guests gathered in reception.

By Wednesday, the pool reopened but eateries remained shut. Meals became canteen-style. Guests could leave but most stayed indoors near the pool while fighter jets flew overhead constantly.

The couple departed last Friday on an Emirates flight to Dublin. Fighter jets escorted the plane briefly after takeoff from a partially damaged airport. Back in Bangor, they described feeling worn out.