MIDDLE EAST UPDATE – 5 March

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Airspace & Airports: as of 5 March 2026, the UAE has partially reopened airspace, but flights are limited or carefully controlled. Some airlines are operating reduced schedules or special flights. Others have suspended routes or cancelled flights. Dubai International Airport (DXB) is only operating a small number of flights. The same applies to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) which mainly operates repatriation flights, cargo flights and repositioning flights. Passengers should not travel to any UAE airport without first confirming their flight status directly with their airline.

Flights from Zayed International Airport (Abu Dhabi) are not operating normally currently. Suspensions are expected until at least 6 March due to regional airspace restrictions.

Security Incidents: Iranian missiles and drones have been intercepted over UAE territory. The Ministry of Defence has confirmed interceptions of over 189 ballistic missiles and more than 900 drones. Minor incidents — including injuries from shrapnel and debris — have been reported in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Authorities urge residents to remain indoors and avoid open areas, particularly at times of active alerts. When there are no alerts, daily life continues cautiously.

Government & Immigration Offices: No blanket closure of government offices has been announced. However, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) recommended that private sector companies implement remote working arrangements from Sunday 1 March to Tuesday 3 March. This formal advisory period has now ended, but some firms may continue flexible work arrangements depending on conditions.

Many government offices and service centres may be operating with reduced in-person capacity or by appointment only. We advise clients to expect delays in processing of immigration and residency applications, and to use online services (GDRFA portal, ICP App, DubaiNow) wherever possible during this period.

Schools & Universities: All public and private schools and universities have been directed to switch to distance learning currently.

Resident Advisory: Residents and nationals in the UAE are advised to stay indoors, avoid non-essential travel, and follow instructions from UAE authorities and official government channels only. Avoid spreading unverified information.

KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

Airports in Saudi Arabia remain officially open, but are experiencing significant disruption, with hundreds of flight cancellations and delays recorded at Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah airports. Saudi airspace is operational, though heavily rerouted. No widespread government office closures have been reported at this time. Passengers should verify flight status with their airlines before travelling to any KSA airport.

In person immigration and passport offices in cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam continue to serve visitors and residents, although there may be longer wait times or processing delays due to operational caution amid the broader travel and security situation.

ISRAEL

Ben Gurion International Airport (Tel Aviv) is not fully open as usual, but operations have begun to restart in a limited way. The reopening is very cautious and gradual, initially limited to Israeli carriers. Many regular international flights remain cancelled or suspended, and major non-Israeli airlines are not yet flying normal schedules in and out of Tel Aviv.

The Ministry of Interior (which handles immigration, visas, passports, identity documents, residency, etc) is a functioning government body in Israel as usual.

British nationals in Israel are currently being advised by the UK government to register their presence via the official gov.uk service.

A broader FCDO notice lists Israel (along with Bahrain, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar and the UAE) as countries where people can register to receive updates and help.

KUWAIT

Kuwait airspace is not fully open for normal commercial flights and has suspended commercial flights. Passengers are advised not to go to the airport unless their airline confirms a flight is operating. Kuwait International Airport was struck in the early stage of the conflict and sustained terminal damage.

Immigration and government services in Kuwait are functioning, but the government has introduced temporary automatic extensions on visas and residency permits. The situation should be monitored closely.

QATAR & BAHRAIN

Both Qatar and Bahrain have closed their airspaces and suspended commercial flights. Qatar Airways has halted all operations from Doha. Both countries have confirmed missile and alarm incidents. Government services may be affected.

AVIATION SAFETY NOTE

EASA (the EU aviation safety regulator) has issued a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin advising airlines against operating in the airspace of Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, citing a high risk to civil aviation.

IMMIGRATION IMPLICATIONS

We are aware that the current situation may impact pending visa applications, residency stamping appointments, Emirates ID renewals, and planned travel into or out of the UAE and wider GCC. We are closely monitoring the situation and will advise clients on any grace period extensions or regulatory relief measures that authorities may announce.