A Greek citizen has become the first known national to successfully evacuate from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates as tensions continue to escalate across the Middle East. Anita Kostidou managed to leave the region after several days of uncertainty, during which she shared videos and updates describing the difficult conditions faced by foreign residents in the emirate as security concerns intensified.

In her posts, Kostidou described an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty as reports of attacks across the region raised concerns among expatriates. With airspace closures and hundreds of flight cancellations, many foreign citizens struggled to find a way out of the country while waiting for diplomatic assistance or special evacuation arrangements.

Her evacuation was ultimately made possible through the intervention of the Italian Embassy, as her husband holds Italian citizenship. The operation was coordinated by Gabriella Pappada, who organized the departure of a small group of 18 people from the UAE. Additional support came from Lorenzo Fanara, Italy’s ambassador, who helped facilitate the complex evacuation process during a time when travel in the region had become extremely difficult.

The evacuation flight departed late at night from an airport in Abu Dhabi that mainly serves private aircraft. A special Italian government plane was sent to carry out the repatriation mission. After days of anxiety, Kostidou was finally able to leave the Emirates and return to Europe, with her final destination being Athens, where her family and children were waiting for her. Meanwhile, the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs is reportedly working with airlines to organize charter flights that will help other Greek citizens still stranded in the UAE return home safely.