Elbi Henshaw, a 24-year-old personal trainer from Barnet, North London, has found herself in a terrifying situation since relocating to Dubai in January 2025. Intended as an escape from the crime and gloomy weather of the UK, her new home has become fraught with danger due to ongoing missile attacks. Henshaw now shares her harrowing experiences as she navigates life on the 46th floor, where safety concerns have become a new normal.

Life on High Alert

With Iranian drones reported flying overhead, Henshaw’s life has drastically changed. The anxiety of living in a high-rise building during these attacks is palpable. Residents were advised to keep their windows ajar to alleviate pressure if there were impacts. For Henshaw, the fear escalates as she looks out from her elevated perch, knowing well the potential threat looming above. “I struggle to sleep because I know we’re really high,” she shared, expressing her discomfort and dread.

The situation reached a breaking point when the sound of drones being shot down filled the skies. “When I saw a drone go down, my heart dropped,” Henshaw recalled, highlighting how such moments trigger a visceral sense of fear. The community has been placed on edge, with everyone glued to their devices, waiting for any alerts regarding further attacks. The tension is so high that even the slightest noise can evoke panic, as many immediately assume it’s another drone.

A Community in Crisis

The sense of community has taken on new meaning in light of these crises. Despite the fear she faces, Henshaw feels a surprising sense of connection with others around her. People have been checking up on one another, creating a shared bond in the face of adversity. “I actually feel less lonely than I did in the UK,” she noted, emphasizing that the community’s support is a silver lining in an otherwise harrowing situation.

However, this semblance of normalcy is fleeting. Just two nights ago, an alarm sounded at 12:30 a.m., instructing residents to take precautions. Henshaw described the chaos as families rushed to safety, exemplified by a family of eight scrambling to gather mattresses and pillows for protection. According to her, “It’s been so scary,” emphasizing the unpredictability of living in such extraordinary circumstances.

The Emotional Toll of Shelter in Place

Despite the chilling experiences, Henshaw remains grateful for the sense of community, even under these erratic conditions. The constant vigilance can be emotionally draining, but she appreciates how neighbors have rallied together to provide mutual support. “It’s really nice seeing the community come together,” she stated, even while acknowledging the eerie silence that has settled over the area.

Henshaw’s emotional journey illustrates the difficult balance between fear and community. As she continues to shelter in her 46th-floor apartment, she finds strength in the connections she’s made, even as the threat of drone attacks looms overhead. This unexpected chapter in her life reminds us of the resilience people show in the face of adversity, providing a powerful testament to community spirit during turbulent times.