My 7-7 experience

Dubai 7-7 2005

My memory of 7-7 has never faded. Not because I was caught up in the tragedy of that day, or injured, thankfully, nor were my friends or family, but because for me it was a moment in time that will always be there.

I had been in Dubai, on a regular visit to my friend and client to work on her current home and plan for her new home. It was always an exciting time, entertaining and educational, often working late into the night, talking and discussing the future. She was fascinated by Feng Shui, and we would share Vastu and Feng Shui tales and systems, and she would test me with a cheeky smile on her face. The odd dinner invite or public speaking event broke up what was always an enjoyable but tiring visit, sometimes lasting several weeks at a time.

My visit came to an end on 7-7, and after breakfast and a short shopping trip, we bid farewell at the airport, and I looked forward to seeing my wife again. Ushered onto the plane and settled into my seat, a newsflash came up on the screens, bombings in London...

The screens went dead, the plane fell silent, phones would not connect, and a sombre pilot prepared us for take-off with no mention of what we had just witnessed.

The next 7plus hours were in silence, those who spoke whispered, and hostesses quietly brought refreshments round. We did not know what was happening, what had happened or what could happen; we were just told they had no information. Given the broadcast, was a plane next? Would we make it to London? I, for one, wrote messages on my unconnected phone, just in case. Did others, I wonder, the passenger next to me said nothing, closed her eyes, and I expect she prayed in silence.

Whilst the drama and horror unfolded on London streets and families would be shattered and lives changed forever, we soared through the skys with pounding hearts. Odd announcements on the flight, but no mention of the events below, we got closer and closer to Heathrow. My driver would be waiting for me, I hoped, and that long 2 hr drive would be even longer, I expected, with airport security at a high level.

We came into land, and as soon as the seat belt lights came on, the plane was filled with countless pings as we all turned our phones on. Messages came through, missed calls. The first for me was from BB, who at the airport heard what was happening and tried to call me, leaving a message of hope and prayer for mine and my family's safety. The second was from my wife, whom I contacted immediately and reassured her I was safe, but events were still unfolding, and we didn't discuss it until I got home. I let BB know we were safe and in time arrived home to a teary wife. What tragedies unfolded that day, and even today, are etched in people's minds as we remember 20 years on.

I was back again in Dubai, of course, life goes on, and tragedy and terrorism should never win and prevent us from doing what we want and need to do. Sadly, 2 years later, Terrorism was brought home to me when BB herself was caught up in not 1 but 2 bombings and shootings, the latter ending her life with a tragic assassination. We spoke a few weeks before as she was planning her return home to Pakistan, and when I would visit. We all feared for her life, but like the true stateswoman she was, she would not bow down to terrorism, and nor should any of us.

The world is a more dangerous one than ever, 20 years on, but we must all be careful, mindful, loving to others and fight terrorism at every level. It's the minority that causes these issues, not the majority; this we should be mindful of.