Traumatic experience: Dubai Airport Authorities

I was flying from New York to Mumbai via Dubai on April 23rd, 2007 via Dubai (on Emirates). I had a 5 and a half hour layover (after a 13 hour flight from JFK) before connecting to the Mumbai flight (EK 502).

Naturally, to kill time, I went to each and every duty free store at Dubai Airport. Did not buy anything (other than the lottery for a nice BMW !).

After killing time in every imaginable manner (including taking a nap), it was time to finally board the flight. I presented by boarding pass to the lady at the gate and proceeded to the waiting area. As I entered, a gentleman (not so gentle) called out to me from behind. He was wearing a black jacket with an insignia that I presumed made him part of the airport police. He asked me for my boarding pass & passport, inspected them and held on to them. He asked me to follow him out of the waiting area. After checking the flight departure time with the lady at the gate, he handed her my boarding pass (!!) and asked me to follow him. Confused as to what was going on, I repeatedly asked him for an explanation. The only thing he did was to question me whether I had been shopping (in Dubai Duty airport....what else does one do there ??).

We proceeded to the airport police station. Shortly thereafter, another person joined us wearing white outfit with Red lapels. Big guy I presumed. Again, no explanation about what was going on. The same question though a bit more specific this time – “have you been shopping at the airport?? Did you go to or buy a mobile phone? ” The tone was intimidating. The mannerism rude. I was holding my mobile in my hand and again the same question – “is that the only phone you have on you?? Are you sure? ” My answer again was the same – I went to every store but did not buy anything. “We are going to check your bag.” After thoroughly inspecting my hand bag and finding nothing, they frisked me. A lot of exchanges in Arabic between the two. Again - nothing. It was almost as if they were annoyed that they did not find anything. (Even at this point I was given to explanation let alone an apology !!).

I was then brusquely asked to leave the station and return to my gate. I asked if the gentleman who handed over my boarding pass to the lady at the gate can accompany be back (to get my boarding pass) -- nope. "Go there. She will give it to you". Insisting that he come, I was given a number to call should there any problem at the gate.

Fortunately, the lady at the gate handed me my pass and I boarded the flight.

To think that one could be stranded at an airport anywhere in the world with NO RIGHTS is a scary thought. The possible outcome of this could have been a very unpleasant one for no fault of mine.

I still have no idea why I was given the treatment I got. Just glad that I got to board my flight. Next time – different airline it is.