Iran-UAE Conflict
What You Need to Know
Practical information for UAE residents during the current crisis. Emergency contacts, shelter guidance, flight status, and exit options — all in one place.
Quick Access
The Situation
📋 Overview
Following coordinated US-Israeli strikes on Iran (Operation Epic Fury) beginning February 28, Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks across the Gulf — targeting countries hosting US military bases including the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. The US-Israel coalition claims to have destroyed 80% of Iran's air defense systems through 2,500+ strikes. Iran has fired 500+ ballistic missiles and nearly 2,000 drones since the conflict began.
Conflict Started
Feb 28, 2026
Status
Day 7 — Active
Trump demands “unconditional surrender”
US Involvement
Active — Operation Epic Fury
📰 Latest News
💥 Recent Attacks
Mar 5–6, 2026
Day 7: Tehran hit by heavy US-Israeli bombing. Iran fires new wave at Gulf — UAE intercepts 6 of 7 ballistic missiles and 125 of 131 drones. One missile lands inside UAE territory. Trump demands Iran's “unconditional surrender.”
Mar 4, 2026
Hundreds of Shahed drones target Kuwait, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and UAE. Fire at Jebel Ali Port from interception debris. Damage to Burj Al Arab from falling fragments. UAE stock markets reopen to massive sell-off.
Mar 1, 2026
UAE closes airspace. Drone strikes near Fairmont The Palm on Palm Jumeirah cause large explosion. Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 struck — 4 staff injured. Debris hits residential area near Zayed International Airport, killing 1 (Pakistani national).
Feb 28, 2026
US-Israel launch coordinated strikes on Iran (Operation Epic Fury). Iran retaliates with missiles and drones at countries hosting US bases. UAE activates NCEMA emergency protocols. Strait of Hormuz shipping begins to halt.
🇮🇷 Iran's Position
Iran is retaliating against Gulf states hosting US military bases used in Operation Epic Fury. Tehran has fired 500+ ballistic missiles and nearly 2,000 drones since Feb 28, targeting the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan. Iran says it is ready for a ground invasion and has declared the Strait of Hormuz closed.
- •Targeting all Gulf states hosting US military bases
- •500+ ballistic missiles and ~2,000 drones fired since Feb 28
- •Strait of Hormuz declared closed — ship traffic dropped from 138 to 2 per day
- •Hezbollah and Houthi allies launching concurrent attacks on Israel and Saudi Arabia
🇦🇪 UAE Response
The UAE has intercepted the vast majority of incoming missiles and drones, but debris and fragments have caused civilian casualties and damage to major landmarks. The UAE and Qatar have jointly declared Iran “has crossed a red line.” The UAE is considering freezing billions of dollars in Iranian assets.
- •THAAD and Patriot intercepting 95%+ of incoming threats
- •Interception debris causing civilian damage — Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, DXB airport hit
- •Limited flights resuming — Flydubai partial schedule from Mar 5
- •Considering freezing billions in Iranian assets held in UAE
- •Joint statement with Qatar condemning Iran's attacks
🏥 Casualties & Damage
3
Killed in UAE
Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi nationals
78+
Injured in UAE
Mostly from debris/shrapnel
1,332+
Killed in Iran
From US-Israeli strikes
95%+
Intercepted by UAE
Damage from debris, not direct hits
⚠️ UAE figures from UAE Defence Ministry (Mar 5). Iran figures from Al Jazeera tracker. No UAE casualties from direct missile impacts — all from interception debris/shrapnel.
📜 Background & History
The UAE is not a primary target — Iran is striking Gulf states that host US military bases used in Operation Epic Fury. The UAE hosts Al Dhafra Air Base and Jebel Ali port, both critical US CENTCOM logistics hubs.
The conflict began on Feb 28 when the US and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran, reportedly killing Supreme Leader Khamenei. Iran retaliated across the region. Abu Dhabi and Tehran had previously maintained a “gentlemen's agreement” to avoid direct confrontation — that agreement is now effectively terminated.
The near-total shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz has sent oil prices to $90+/barrel and disrupted 20% of global oil supply. Major shipping lines including Maersk have suspended all Gulf transits.
Practical Guide
✈️ Flights & Airspace
Dubai (DXB)
Emirates suspended until Mar 7
Terminal 3 damaged • Repatriation flights only
Abu Dhabi (AUH)
Suspended
Scheduled flights suspended until further notice
Flydubai
Partial resumption
Limited routes from Mar 5
Alternative Routes
- ✓Muscat, Oman — Land border open, flights operating (~2hr drive from Dubai)
- ⚠Virgin Atlantic — Resumed London-Dubai route
⚠️ Do NOT go to the airport unless you hold a confirmed ticket and your airline has explicitly told you to travel. Access is restricted to confirmed passengers only.
Live Flight Board
Times shown in Gulf Standard Time (UTC+4). Data via AirLabs.
📈 Markets & Economy
Stock Exchanges
Reopened — Sell-off
Massive losses after 2-day closure
Banks
Limited
Reduced hours
💡 Tip: ATMs are working but expect queues. Withdraw cash for essential purchases. Keep AED 500–1000 on hand.
🚨 Emergency Contacts
UAE Emergency Numbers
Embassies (Abu Dhabi)
🏠 During an Alert
⚡ Immediate Steps
- 1Move to an interior room (no windows)
- 2Stay away from glass, mirrors, and exterior walls
- 3If in a high-rise: go to lower floors or interior stairwell
- 4If outside: enter the nearest solid building immediately
- 5If driving: pull over safely, stay low in the car
- 6Do NOT touch debris or shrapnel — may be hazardous
✅ Best Locations
- • Bathroom (interior, small windows)
- • Interior hallway
- • Stairwell (interior)
- • Underground parking
- • Ground floor interior room
❌ Avoid
- • Windows and glass doors
- • Balconies
- • Exterior walls
- • Top floors of buildings
- • Open areas / outdoors
🧳 Supplies Checklist
Essential Supplies
Important Documents
🎒 Keep a grab bag near the door with passport, phone charger, water, cash, and medications. If you need to leave fast, grab it and go.
🚪 If You Need to Leave
🚗 Land Routes
Oman via Hatta Border
~2hr from Dubai • Border OPEN • Most reliable option
Saudi Arabia via Abu Samra
Check current status • May require visa • Longer route
✈️ Flights From Neighboring Countries
Muscat, Oman (MCT)
Emirates/Oman Air operating some routes • Book ASAP • Prices elevated
Jeddah / Riyadh, Saudi
Limited availability • Saudia operating reduced schedule
🏛️ Embassy evacuation: Contact your embassy for assisted evacuation if you cannot arrange travel independently. Many embassies are organizing group evacuations.
⚠️ Book early — prices are high and availability is limited. Land routes to Oman are the most reliable current option.
📡 Stay Informed
✅ Official Sources
- •NCEMA — @NCABORHAP_NCEMA (Twitter/X)
- •Dubai Media Office — @DXBMediaOffice
- •WAM — Emirates News Agency (wam.ae)
- •Your embassy — Check for country-specific advisories
❌ Avoid
- • Unverified social media accounts
- • Forwarded WhatsApp messages
- • Sensationalist / clickbait accounts
- • “Breaking news” from unknown sources
📱 Mobile & internet are working normally. Enable NCEMA push notifications on your phone. Keep your phone charged at all times.