Indian-American CEO Criticizes US Response to Citizens Stranded in Dubai
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – Ranjan, the CEO of US-based AI startup SardineAI, has publicly voiced his frustration with the US government’s lack of action to assist American citizens stranded in Dubai and the broader Middle East. In a series of posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, Ranjan described feeling “abandoned” as other nations actively work to repatriate their citizens.
“After 4 days of adrenalin and constant fear, I feel demoralised and abandoned by our government,” Ranjan wrote. He noted the contrast with efforts by countries like the UK, France, Italy, and India to bring their citizens home amid growing regional instability.
Ranjan, a naturalized US citizen, was in Dubai on business, meeting with financial institutions to discuss fraud prevention solutions offered by SardineAI. The company, which employs 94 people in the US and over 180 globally, focuses on AI-driven risk and fraud detection.
He explained that despite booking a dozen flights to return to the US, all have been canceled. While flights to other countries continue to operate, US-bound commercial options have dwindled. Ranjan highlighted the discrepancy, stating, “It’s difficult watching other countries…repatriate their citizens or ensure that commercial flights continue operating to bring them home.”
The US State Department has issued a helpline number (1-202-501-4444) and urged citizens in Dubai to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for updates. However, Ranjan reported receiving only generic messages through STEP and encountering an automated message on the helpline advising against expecting assisted departure or evacuation flights.
“With funding cuts to the US consulates and with attacks on US embassies in the region, there’s no one that Americans can reach out to in the broader GCC region,” he added, calling for an emergency hotline with dedicated support staff.
The situation has sparked criticism of the State Department, with concerns mounting as the crisis enters its fifth day without a clear US government evacuation plan. The Times of India first reported on Ranjan’s plight.