Coronavirus: Residents return to Dubai after 105 days in Maldives and Dh50,000 flights and hotel bill – The National

Coronavirus: Residents return to Dubai after 105 days in Maldives and Dh50,000 flights and hotel bill – The National

Heba Hashem and her partner 'escaped paradise' on a private plane with five other stranded tourists









































Heba and Olufemi travelled to the Maldives on March 16 - three days before the UAE's borders closed. "In hindsight, I probably should have listened to my parents and not travelled at all in the middle of March,“ she said. All photos courtesy Heba Hashem







The pair stayed at three different hotels during their stay, including one provided by the government with a special $100 per night discount rate for stranded tourists







Despite the discounted rate, the couple racked up more than Dh50,000 on hotel stays and meals, a private charter flight to Sri Lanka and flights home with Emirates







At their lowest point they spent five days sleeping in Male's main international airport, pictured, which was almost empty of passengers and staff







The deserted Velana International Airport in the capital Male







The holidaymakers said they kept their spirits up despite not knowing how they would make it home







Heba and Olufemi pictured