Sania Mirza Opens Up About Dubai Tensions: 'We Heard Fighter Jets,' Returns to Hyderabad for Eid

Hyderabad, India — Former Indian tennis star Sania Mirza has returned to India after experiencing tense moments in Dubai amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The 39-year-old athlete, who lives in Dubai with her son, decided to travel back to her hometown Hyderabad to spend time with family and celebrate the final days of Ramadan ahead of Eid.

Speaking about her experience, Mirza revealed that the situation in Dubai had become unsettling as military activity increased in the region. She said that fighter jets could be heard flying over her home and that she witnessed air-defence interceptions in the sky. According to her, debris from an intercepted projectile landed not far from where she lives.

"We heard fighter jets above our house and saw interceptions," Mirza said while recalling the tense situation. She added that debris fell roughly 400–500 metres from her residence, which made the situation feel uncertain even though she did not feel directly unsafe.

Mirza explained that her main concern was the impact of the situation on her young son, Izhaan Mirza Malik, who lives with her in Dubai and attends school there. She said children often become anxious when they hear such sounds or see unusual activity in the sky.

"You don't want your child going through that. He was asking questions," she said, adding that the atmosphere felt "uncertain and unsettling," even if there was no immediate threat to their safety.

Because of the tense environment, Mirza decided it would be better to return to India for the time being. She travelled to Hyderabad, where her family lives, so she and her son could stay in a more familiar and comforting environment during the final days of Ramadan.

The tennis icon also mentioned that she often visits Hyderabad during Eid to spend time with relatives. She said the festive atmosphere in the city and being surrounded by family makes the celebrations more special.

Mirza noted that her son's school in Dubai is expected to reopen soon, but the family will monitor the situation in the region before deciding when to return. She said she is fortunate to have homes in both places and the flexibility to stay in India if needed.

The recent tensions in parts of the Middle East have raised concerns among residents and expatriates living in the region. While Dubai continues to maintain security measures, the increased military activity and air-defence interceptions have made some residents uneasy.

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For Mirza, however, the immediate priority was family. By returning to Hyderabad, she hopes to spend a peaceful Eid with loved ones while waiting for the situation in the region to stabilise.

Sania Mirza on Dubai tensions: "We heard fighter jets, saw interceptions, debris fell 400 metres away." Tennis star returns to Hyderabad with son amid Middle East conflict.