UAE urges people to shelter as tensions hit Gulf security

A sweeping emergency safety message was sent to millions across the United Arab Emirates telling citizens, residents and visitors to stay indoors and await official guidance after ballistic threats were detected over the Gulf state. National authorities stressed that the safety and security of all in the federation remain the highest priority and said systems to protect the public are fully operational within a comprehensive national emergency framework. Alerts broadcast to mobile phones urged people to take cover in secure areas, avoid open spaces and rely only on vetted official sources for updates as defensive measures continue to be enforced.

The advisory came amid heightened military activity in the region, with several Gulf countries reporting the interception of Iranian missiles by their air-defence networks after strikes by United States and Israeli forces on targets inside Iran. The UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority said multiple waves of hostile launch attempts were detected and successfully engaged by defensive systems, although debris from interceptions caused material damage and casualties in some locations, including the death of a civilian in Abu Dhabi’s residential district.

Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other emirates enforced strict precautionary instructions, with residents told to shelter away from windows and doors and to limit movement until further notice. Authorities confirmed that civil defence and emergency response units were deployed across the country to manage incident sites and reassure the public. The Ministry of Interior underlined that the national security apparatus remains at the highest level of readiness, directing that all updates should be sourced exclusively from official channels to prevent misinformation and panic.

The alerts triggered widespread disruption to daily life, particularly in travel and commerce. Airspace closures across the UAE have led to the suspension of flights at major hubs, including Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi International, leaving thousands of travellers stranded and forcing airlines to cancel and reroute services. Civil aviation authorities and carriers are advising passengers not to travel to affected airports until operations resume and are providing support for rebooking as necessary. Scenes from Dubai and other cities reflected the heightened state of alert, with sirens heard and emergency personnel visible in urban districts. In Dubai’s famed Palm Jumeirah area, a fire was brought under control by Civil Defence teams after being sparked by intercepted debris, and a small number of injuries were reported among workers at the airport terminal after an incident there. Government briefings have emphasised that most incidents were quickly contained and that operations to secure key infrastructure have been effective.

Public anxiety has also been addressed by diplomatic missions, with multiple governments advising their nationals to shelter in place and follow local instructions. These advisories align with the UAE’s own messaging on prioritising safety, while urging communities to remain calm and cooperative as authorities work to monitor and respond to developments across the region. Officials have also urged the public to shun unverified content on social media and warned against sharing unconfirmed reports that could fuel confusion.

The wider geopolitical context reflects a significant surge in hostilities between Iran and a coalition of Western and regional actors, with retaliatory strikes and counter-strikes reverberating across the Middle East. Gulf states hosting foreign military facilities have been on heightened alert, reinforcing air defences and activating emergency protocols. Within the UAE, the focus has been on maintaining public order and safety, with communications emphasising preparedness, coordination between agencies and the resilience of national safety infrastructure.

Officials reiterated that the situation remains under control and that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure the protection of people and property. They reaffirmed that the UAE’s integrated national response mechanisms are functioning with high efficiency and that public cooperation with advisories will assist in maintaining stability. Residents have been advised to remain vigilant, follow instructions from authorities and be prepared for further updates as circumstances continue to evolve.