Emirates airplanes are parked at the Dubai International Airport after its closure in Dubai (AP photo)As the military confrontation between the United States-Israel alliance and Iran escalates into a full-scale regional crisis in West Asia, the impact is being felt acutely in northern Gujarat. Over 200 natives of the Mehsana-Patan region of the state are currently stranded across the Gulf, facing shuttered businesses, grounded flights, and a sudden surge in travel costs.Among those caught in the turmoil are Alpesh Kumar Patel and his two nephews: Yogesh and Parth Kumar Patel. Alpesh and Yogesh are from the Mehsana district, whereas Parth is from the neighbouring Patan district.US-Israel-Iran War Live: | Follow Latest News Updates HereHaving landed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 25 for a business trip involving oil, gas, and scrap metal, their plans were upended when the conflict intensified on February 28. They are now forced to stay at a hotel in Bur Dubai.Speaking to The Indian Express, Alpesh said that although the atmosphere remains routine, local authorities have issued strict advisories against leaving the hotel except for meals. Around 50 people from Gujarat are stranded at a neighbouring hotel in Dubai, he added.Alpesh said that he and one of his nephews have return flights booked for March 10, while his other nephew’s return ticket is scheduled for March 5.“We were considering an early departure in case we finished our work sooner, but we were unable to complete our tasks. We were unable to visit Sharjah, Ras Al-Khaimah, or Abu Dhabi due to the prevailing situation. We had planned to travel to these locations for business purposes,” Alpesh said.The airspace closure has turned the return journey into a financial and logistical ordeal for Alpesh and his nephews. He said they had originally booked round-trip tickets for Rs 28,000. One-way emergency fares have now skyrocketed to Rs 1 lakh per person.Story continues below this ad“Even so, the flight isn’t from Dubai because the airspace here is closed. We need to travel to Oman first, then go to Muscat to catch a flight. However, this means we also need to obtain a visa for Oman, which adds to the complexity. We are quite concerned about how things might develop,” said Alpesh.He added that they hope the situation will normalise so they can return on their booked flight from Dubai on March 10. Alpesh also said that they have made an advance payment for their hotel stay in Dubai until March 10. As a precautionary measure, they have stored food for 2-3 days in case the situation worsens.He stated that they have contacted the Indian Embassy in Dubai, which informed them that all updates will be provided through social media.Mayank Nayak, a Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat and a native of Mehsana, has launched a helpline for those from Mehsana stranded in the Gulf region. Members of the Patel community have reached out to him for assistance. Alpesh said Nayak personally made a video call to them, during which they provided him with their details.Story continues below this adSpeaking to The Indian Express, Nayak said that approximately 250 people stranded in the Gulf region have contacted his helpline. He has submitted their details to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) using the MEA’s Madad portal.Vadodara MP Hemang Joshi and the Gujarat BJP have launched helplines to assist those from the state stranded in the Gulf region due to the conflict.Parimal A Dabhi works with The Indian Express as Chief of Bureau, focusing on the state of Gujarat. Leveraging his seniority and access, Dabhi is recognized for his reporting on the complex interplay of law, politics, social justice, and governance within the region. Expertise & Authority Core Authority (Social Justice and Law): Dabhi is a key source for in-depth coverage of caste-based violence, discrimination, and the state's response to social movements, particularly those involving Patidar, Dalit and OBC communities. His reporting focuses on the societal and legal fallout of these issues: Caste and Discrimination: He has reported extensively on social boycotts and instances of violence against Dalits (such as the attack on a Dalit wedding party in Patan), the community's demands (like refusing to pick carcasses), and the political responses from leaders like Jignesh Mevani. Judicial and Legal Affairs: He tracks significant, high-stakes legal cases and judgments that set precedents in Gujarat, including the convictions under the stringent Gujarat Animal Preservation Act (cow slaughter), 2002 Gujarat riots and developments in cases involving former police officers facing charges of wrongful confinement and fake encounters. Political and Administrative Oversight: Dabhi provides essential coverage of the inner workings of the state government and the opposition, ensuring a high degree of Trustworthiness in political analysis: State Assembly Proceedings: He frequently reports directly from the Gujarat Assembly, covering Question Hour, discussion on various Bills, debates on budgetary demands for departments like Social Justice, and ministerial statements on issues like illegal mining, job quotas for locals, and satellite-based farm loss surveys. Electoral Politics: His work details key political developments, including election analysis (voter turnout records), party organizational changes (like the end of C R Patil’s tenure as BJP chief), and campaign dynamics. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Iran War