Guest Speaker: “A Chilling Encounter in Dubai”
Living as an expatriate in Dubai was an adventure I had eagerly anticipated. The idea of experiencing a new culture, living in a vibrant city, and immersing myself in luxury was incredibly enticing. I moved to Jumeirah, a popular and upscale neighborhood. My apartment overlooked the serene waters of the Arabian Gulf, and everything seemed perfect—until it wasn’t. I am Mark Caldwell, located in Jumeirah, Dubai
Let me recount a harrowing experience that still sends shivers down my spine.
The Beginning: Settling In
I arrived in Dubai in late October, right before Halloween, a holiday I had always associated with harmless fun. My work as a project manager for a multinational corporation brought me here, and I had rented a spacious apartment in a recently developed high-rise. It had all the modern amenities one could dream of, but it was eerily quiet, almost too quiet.
The locals told me it was once the site of an older neighborhood demolished years ago. Rumors of strange occurrences floated around, but I brushed them off as urban legends.
My first week went smoothly. I spent my days exploring Dubai and evenings enjoying the breathtaking views from my balcony. But soon, subtle disturbances began.
The First Signs
One evening, I returned home late from work. As I stepped into my apartment, a chill ran down my spine. Despite the warm weather, the room felt unnaturally cold. I checked the thermostat; it was functioning correctly. Shaking off the unease, I went about my evening routine.
That night, I woke up to faint whispering sounds. It was faint, almost like the wind, but there was no breeze. I turned on the lights and checked every corner of the apartment. Nothing seemed out of place.
The next few nights were uneventful, but the whispers returned intermittently. I started feeling a presence, like someone was watching me.
Disturbances Intensify
One evening, I was working on my laptop when the lights flickered. Power outages are rare in Dubai, so I found it odd. When the lights stabilized, I noticed something that made my blood run cold: a shadow darting across the room. I was alone.
Panic set in. I called security to check the CCTV footage. They found nothing unusual. I began doubting my sanity.
The turning point came a week later. I was asleep when I felt a weight pressing on my chest, paralyzing me. My eyes flew open, and I saw a dark figure looming over me. It had no distinct features, just a black mass that seemed to pulsate with malevolence. I couldn’t move or scream. After what felt like an eternity, the pressure lifted, and the figure disappeared.
Terrified, I turned to the internet for answers. I came across stories of “sleep paralysis” and entities known as ‘jinns,’ supernatural beings from Islamic folklore. The description matched my experience.
Seeking Help
Determined to end this nightmare, I confided in my colleague Ahmed, a Dubai native. He listened intently and advised me to seek the help of a sheikh specializing in exorcisms. Desperate, I agreed.
The sheikh visited my apartment the next evening. Dressed in traditional attire, he carried a small pouch containing sacred items. He performed a ritual, reciting verses from the Quran and sprinkling blessed water in every corner.
As he chanted, the atmosphere in the room changed. It grew heavy, almost oppressive. Suddenly, the air seemed to crackle with energy. The sheikh paused, his expression serious.
“This place is disturbed. Something is lingering here,” he said.
He advised me to leave the apartment for a few days while he continued his prayers.
The Climax: A Final Confrontation
On the second night away, I had an overwhelming urge to return to the apartment. Against the sheikh’s advice, I entered the building. As soon as I stepped inside, I felt the familiar chill.
The whispers grew louder, more insistent. Then, the dark figure appeared again. This time, it was in the living room. My heart pounded as I recited the little Quranic verse Ahmed had taught me: “Ayat al-Kursi.” The entity recoiled but didn’t disappear. Summoning every ounce of courage, I continued reciting.
The figure emitted an unearthly screech and vanished into thin air. The room felt lighter, almost serene. It was over.
Aftermath
The sheikh returned the next day and performed a final cleansing ritual. He assured me the entity had been banished but advised me to move out, as the apartment might still attract other disturbances.
I followed his advice and relocated to another part of Jumeirah. Though I’ve since had no further encounters, the experience left an indelible mark on me. It taught me to respect local beliefs and the unseen forces that might exist in this world.
Reflections
As an expatriate, I came to Dubai expecting luxury and adventure, not a brush with the supernatural. This experience humbled me and deepened my appreciation for the rich cultural tapestry of the UAE. It’s a story I share cautiously, aware that not everyone will believe it, but for me, it’s a chilling reminder of the unknown.
To anyone experiencing something similar, I urge you to seek help and trust your instincts. Sometimes, there are things we simply can’t explain.
Have you ever had a supernatural experience? Share your story with us at www.thechroniclesofjinn.com. Your tale might just be the next feature on our blog.
