As the U.S. and Israeli military campaign against Iran enters its second day, the United Arab Emirates, long considered one of the safest and most stable Gulf states, finds itself grappling with rising regional tensions through extensive public safety measures and emergency advice to residents. From missile warnings to remote learning directives and official precautions, here’s what residents of the UAE must know starting March 1, 2026.
National security first: What UAE authorities say on US-Israeli war with Iran
The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoI) have repeatedly stressed that your safety is the top priority and assured the public that national security and defense agencies are continuously monitoring the situation. The UAE’s early warning system and comprehensive emergency response framework remain active across the country.Authorities sent mobile phone alerts directly to residents urging them to remain calm and follow official instructions, a rare but crucial move that reflects the heightened risk of Iranian retaliatory attacks in the Gulf following the U.S.-Israeli attacks.
Official news emphasized:
- The UAE is fully prepared and is assessing developments around the clock.
- Residents should rely only on verified government sources for the latest information.
- Public assurance and cooperation are key to responding to the evolving situation.
What to do and what not to do for UAE residents if you receive an alert in the US-Israeli war with Iran
If you receive an emergency alert or hear a loud siren, authorities instruct you to:
Do:
- Seek shelter immediately in a safe building, preferably indoors or in an area with minimal contact with windows or open entrances.
- Remain calm and await further official instructions, and stay tuned to verified government notifications for the latest information.
- Report any suspicious debris or objects seen after an interception to authorities for professional processing.
No:
- Panic or rush outside.
- Ignore the sirens and walk toward a window or an open space, even if the immediate threat seems far away.
- Try handling debris or unknown objects yourself.
These precautions are critical given Iran’s retaliatory missile and drone activity in the Gulf, which has resulted in the interception of threats over UAE cities and the closure of regional airspace.
Amid US-Israeli war against Iran, avoid sharing rumors or unverified content in the UAE
Misinformation can spread quickly during conflict, and UAE authorities do not take it lightly. The Public Prosecution Service warns that sharing or forwarding unverified content online – even if you did not create it – can lead to legal consequences, including fines or prosecution, under federal laws governing rumors and online security.
Official advice:
- Verify the source before sharing anything.
- Only trust government social media handlers and official news organizations.
- Avoid retweeting videos, audio clips, or statements without confirmation from trusted authorities.
The guidance reflects broader concerns in the region about misinformation during geopolitical crises, where social media posts can quickly create fear and confusion.
United Arab Emirates School college and exams: What parents should know as the U.S. and Israel war against Iran
The UAE Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research have announced that all schools and universities will implement temporary remote learning from March 2 to March 4, 2026, as a precautionary shift to protect students, faculty and staff while maintaining academic continuity.
Important note for parents and students:
- The shift to online courses spans public and private institutions across the country.
- Final exams have not been canceled unless an official announcement is made, and rumors of cancellation are false.
- This transition is under review and may be extended as circumstances change.
Additionally, boards like CBSE in India have postponed scheduled Class 10 and Class 12 exams in several Gulf countries, including the UAE, and will review further dates after March 3.
Disruptions to travel and UAE airspace remain amid US-Israeli war against Iran
Major flights across the Gulf continue to be disrupted due to airspace closures, with airlines canceling, rerouting or delaying flights at key hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah airports. Residents and travelers are advised to:
- Please check flight status directly with the carrier before traveling to the airport.
- As authorities prioritize safety, it is expected that changes may occur at short notice.
- Monitor updates through official airport or airline channels.
The disruptions stem from widespread Iranian attacks on regional infrastructure, including airports and other civilian targets, following the U.S. and Israeli offensive against Iran.
UAE missions abroad and citizen advice
Several foreign governments, including Ireland, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and India, have issued safety warnings to their citizens in the UAE, urging them to stay indoors, register with embassies and follow official safety instructions. Some also warned that airspace closures would cause travel disruptions.The embassy continues to operate a hotline and support system for citizens, reinforcing the need for coordinated communication during this period. The Home Office urges residents to strictly call the emergency hotline (999) in response to genuine emergencies, stressing that keeping lines open is crucial to ensuring quick response and effective assistance. Authorities also called on the public to fully cooperate and act responsibly, emphasizing that collective vigilance is key to keeping communities safe.
- 999 — Police/Emergency (for true emergencies only)
- 998 — Ambulance
- 997 — Civil Defense/Firefighting
- 996—Coast Guard
- 991—Power failure
- 995 – Find and rescue
- 901—Non-urgent inquiries
For the latest information, UAE residents are advised to rely only on official channels of UAE government departments and follow the X (formerly Twitter) account of the following entity:
- @UAEmediaoffice — UAE Government Media Office
- @NCEMAUAE — National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority
- @moiuae — UAE Ministry of Interior
- @modgovae — UAE Ministry of Defense
- @mofauae — UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- @ADMediaOffice — Abu Dhabi Media Office
- @DXBMediaOffice — Dubai Media Office
- @sharjahmedia — Sharjah Government Media Bureau
- @Ajman — Media Ajman Media Office
- @RAKmediaoffice — Ras Al Khaimah Media Office
- @FjMediaoffice — Fujairah Media Office
Although the UAE remains on high alert, authorities stressed that when it is safe to do so, normal life should continue with essential services functioning and safety protocols in place to manage risks.
Residents should:
- Stay indoors when an alarm is issued.
- Stay updated with the latest developments through official sources such as NCEMA, MoI, Ministry of Defense and the Government Media Office.
- Please follow the safety instructions immediately.
- Avoid spreading unverified information.
Official alerts and emergency messages have been issued as the tense war between the United States and Israel over Iran continues. Shelter protocols and safety guidelines focus on minimizing the risk of possible missile threats or debris. Sharing misinformation irresponsibly is punishable by law in the UAE. Schools and universities moved to remote learning as a precautionary measure. Air travel continues to be severely affected by airspace closures. Foreign missions urged caution in evacuations and the provision of shelter. Residents are encouraged to stay informed of the latest situation through official channels and closely follow government instructions as the situation continues to evolve.
