Belgian Brothers Run Family Farm While Parents Are Stranded in Dubai
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is impacting lives far beyond the immediate war zones, reaching even those on holiday. For a group of over 40 West Flemish dairy farmers currently stranded in Dubai, a routine annual study trip has turned into an unexpected wait, complicated by the need to maintain operations back home.
The farmers, hailing from the Westhoek District of West Flanders Province in Belgium, were in Dubai for their yearly professional development excursion when tensions escalated rapidly following U.S. And Israeli strikes on Iran. Their scheduled return flight on Tuesday was cancelled, leaving them navigating a volatile situation while simultaneously ensuring the care of their farms and livestock.
“There was already talk of increased tension in the region, but they were still allowed to leave because there were no problems at the time,” explained Steven Verhille from Poperinge, whose parents are among those affected. “That changed at the end of last week when all of a sudden Iran was bombed by the Americans and Israel. It quickly became clear that the region where they are staying was also involved in the conflict.”
While the situation is unsettling – the farmers have reportedly been forced to take shelter in the basement of their hotel due to the sound of Iranian rockets exploding nearby – Verhille emphasized that the group is maintaining a remarkably calm demeanor. “But the West Flemish dairy farmers are not minded to panic,” he stated.
The immediate concern, beyond personal safety, is the welfare of the 400 cows requiring daily care back in Belgium. Kevin Demarest, 30, and his brother Pieter have stepped up to manage the farm in their parents’ absence. The responsibility has fallen largely on their shoulders, with Pieter, a truck driver by trade, taking leave to assist his brother.
The dynamic between the brothers has shifted, with Kevin effectively assuming the role of farm manager. Pieter, while accepting of the situation, admits his brother can be “sometimes embêtant” (annoying), but is adjusting to the new arrangement. When asked if he preferred his parents or his brother as his boss, Pieter’s response was direct: “Rather my parents, yes.”
Despite the disruption, the farmers are attempting to continue with a semblance of normalcy. They are continuing their planned tours with a guide and a bus, when conditions allow. The stranded group remains in close contact with family back home, receiving regular updates and offering reassurance. The parents are reportedly calling daily to check on the farm’s progress, with Pieter offering succinct reports – “no cows have calved today” – to ease their concerns.
The situation has undeniably altered the brothers’ routines. Pieter’s evenings, once dedicated to leisure, are now focused on rest and preparation for the next day’s farm duties. “First eat and then rest. And then we’ll see,” he described his current schedule. Kevin jokingly noted, “Yes, it’s my parents who are partying in Dubai.”
The farmers’ predicament highlights the far-reaching consequences of international conflict, extending beyond geopolitical headlines to impact everyday lives and livelihoods. While the immediate focus remains on their safe return to West Flanders, the story also underscores the resilience and adaptability of a close-knit community facing unexpected challenges. The group is currently awaiting updates on airspace reopening, hoping to resume their journey home as soon as possible.
Adding to the broader picture of travel disruption, other travelers are also facing difficulties. Viktoriia Lokhmatova, a resident of Serbia, and Michael Crepin, from Belgium, are also stranded in Dubai with their children, having traveled for a special occasion. The AP reported that more airstrikes hit Tehran on Thursday, further complicating travel plans and adding to the uncertainty for those attempting to leave the region.
The situation in Dubai is just one facet of a larger travel crisis. Travel insiders are offering advice amidst the chaos, while other regions are experiencing their own disruptions. Heavy rains in Kenya have led to 23 deaths and the deployment of the military, and flight disruptions are widespread. Even seemingly unrelated events, like a nightclub bombing in Peru injuring 33, contribute to a sense of global instability.
Meanwhile, the political fallout continues. Donald Trump has stated the U.S. Will turn its attention to Cuba after the conflict with Iran, and has claimed to have done the world a “favor” with the attacks on Iran. The Iranian President has rejected a U.S. Demand for unconditional surrender, signaling a prolonged period of tension. The situation remains fluid and unpredictable, leaving many travelers, including the West Flemish dairy farmers, in a state of anxious anticipation.