UAE on high alert: What residents should know about the US-Israel war on Iran
As the US and Israeli military campaign against Iran enters its second day, the United Arab Emirates, long viewed as one of the safest and most stable Gulf states, finds itself responding to rising regional tensions with sweeping public safety measures and urgent guidance for its residents.
From missile alerts to distance learning guidance and official do’s and don’ts, here’s what UAE residents should know as of March 1, 2026.
National Safety First: What the Emirati authorities say amid the American-Israeli war on Iran
The National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Ministry of Interior (MoI) have repeatedly emphasized that your safety is the top priority, reassuring the public that the situation is under constant monitoring by national security and defense agencies.
The UAE’s early warning systems and integrated emergency framework remain active across the country.Authorities sent direct mobile alerts to residents urging them to remain calm and comply with official instructions, a rare but crucial step that reflects the heightened risks posed by Iranian retaliatory attacks in the Gulf in the wake of the US-Israeli strikes.
Official letters confirm:
- The UAE is fully prepared and is evaluating developments around the clock.
- Residents should rely only on approved government channels for updates.
- Public reassurance and cooperation are essential in dealing with the evolving situation.
Do’s and don’ts for UAE residents if you receive an alert amid the US-Israel war on Iran
If you receive an emergency alert or hear a loud alarm tone, authorities instruct you to –
does:
- Seek shelter immediately in a safe building, ideally in an interior room or area with minimal exposure to windows or open doorways.
- Stay calm, wait for further official instructions, and follow verified government notifications for updates.
- Report any debris or suspicious objects you see after interception to the authorities for professional handling.
no:
- Panic or rush outdoors.
- Ignore alarm tones and move toward windows or open areas, even if the immediate threat seems distant.
- Try to handle debris or unknown objects yourself.
These precautions are necessary given Iran’s retaliatory missile and drone activity across the Gulf, which has resulted in interception threats to UAE cities and the closure of regional airspace.
Avoid sharing rumors or unverified content in the UAE amid the US-Israel war on Iran
Misinformation can spread quickly during conflicts, and the authorities in the UAE do not take it seriously. The Public Prosecution Office warned that sharing or reposting unverified content online, even if you did not create it, could result in legal consequences, including fines or prosecution, under the federal law regulating rumors and electronic safety.
Official advice:
- Check the source before sharing anything.
- Trust only government social media and official news agencies.
- Avoid reposting videos, audio clips, or claims without confirmation from trusted parties.
This guidance reflects broader regional concerns about disinformation during geopolitical crises, where social media posts can quickly contribute to fear and confusion.
United Arab Emirates Schools Universities and exams: What parents should know amid the US-Israeli war on Iran
The UAE Ministry of Education and Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research have announced temporary distance learning for all schools and universities from March 2 until March 4, 2026, a precautionary shift designed to protect students, faculty and staff while maintaining academic continuity.
Important notes for parents and students:
- The move to online classes covers public and private institutions nationwide.
- – The final exams were not canceled until after the official circulars were issued, and what is rumored about the cancellation is not true.
- This shift is under review and may be extended based on the evolution of the situation.
In addition, boards like India’s CBSE have postponed the Class 10 and 12 exams scheduled in several Gulf countries, including the UAE, and will review other dates after March 3.
UAE travel and airspace disruptions remain amid the US-Israel war on Iran
Major flight disruptions continue across the Gulf region due to airspace closures, with airlines canceling, rerouting or delaying services at major hubs including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah airports. We advise residents and travelers to:
- Check flight status directly with the carriers before heading to the airport.
- Expect possible changes in a short time as authorities prioritize safety.
- Monitor updates via official airport or airline channels.
These disturbances stem from large-scale Iranian attacks on regional infrastructure, including airports and other civilian targets, following the US-Israeli attack on Iran.
Consultations for foreign missions of the United Arab Emirates and its citizens
Several foreign governments, including those of Ireland, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and India, have issued security warnings to their citizens in the UAE, urging them to stay home, register with embassies and follow official safety instructions. Some also warn of travel disruption due to airspace closures.Embassies continue to operate hotlines and support systems for citizens, reinforcing the need for coordinated communication during this period.
The Ministry of Interior urged residents to call the emergency hotline (999) in cases of genuine emergencies, stressing that keeping the line clear is essential to ensure quick response times and effective assistance. The authorities also called on the public to cooperate fully and act responsibly, stressing that collective vigilance is the key to protecting the safety of society.
- 999 — Police/Emergency (for true emergencies only)
- 998 – Ambulance
- 997 — Civil Defense/Fire
- 996- Coast Guard
- 991 — Power outage
- 995 – Search and Rescue
- 901 — Non-emergency inquiries
For updates, UAE residents are suggested to rely only on the official channels of UAE government departments and follow the X (formerly Twitter) handles of the following:
- @UAEmediaoffice — UAE Government Media Office
- @NCEMAUEE — National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority
- @moiuae – UAE Ministry of Interior
- @modgovae — UAE Ministry of Defence
- @mofauae – UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- @ADMediaOffice — Abu Dhabi Media Office
- @DXBMediaOffice — Dubai Media Office
- @sharjahmedia — Sharjah Government Media Office
- @Ajman – Media Ajman Media Office
- @RAKmediaoffice —Ras Al Khaimah Media Office
- @FjMediaoffice —Fujairah Media Office
with me As the UAE remains on high alert, authorities have stressed that normal life must continue where safe to do so, with essential services operating and security protocols in place to manage risks.
Residents should:
- Stay indoors when alerts are issued.
- Stay updated through official sources such as NCEMA, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defense and government media offices.
- Follow safety instructions without delay.
- Avoid posting unverified information.
Official alerts and emergency messages were sent due to the ongoing US-Israeli war on tensions with Iran. Shelter protocols and safety guidelines focus on minimizing risks from potential missile threats or debris. Misinformation carries legal penalties in the UAE if published irresponsibly. Schools and universities are turning to distance learning as a precaution. Air travel continues to be severely affected by airspace closures.
Foreign missions urge caution in evacuation and accommodation. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and closely follow government instructions as the situation continues to evolve.
