Middle East Update

As you are aware, the situation in the Middle East has escalated following joint US–Israel military strikes on Iran, and Iran’s subsequent retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the Gulf region. We are writing to provide you with high-level guidance relevant to your immigration and residency matters.

Please note that this is a rapidly evolving situation. We recommend monitoring official sources continuously and contacting us directly with any urgent personal circumstances.

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Airspace & Airports: UAE airspace has been temporarily and partially closed as a precautionary measure. Both Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) remain suspended until further notice. Emirates, flydubai, and Air Arabia have halted all UAE operations, currently extended until at least 15:00 UAE time on Monday, 2 March. Etihad Airways has similarly suspended Abu Dhabi departures and arrivals. Passengers should not travel to any UAE airport without first confirming their flight status directly with their airline.

Security Incidents: Iranian missiles and drones have been intercepted over UAE territory. The Ministry of Defence has confirmed interceptions of over 160 ballistic missiles and more than 500 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.

Government & Immigration Offices: No blanket closure of government offices has been announced. However, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has recommended that private sector companies implement remote working arrangements from Sunday 1 March to Tuesday 3 March. 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 from Monday 2 March to Wednesday 4 March 2026, with a possible extension depending on developments.

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.

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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. Saudi Arabia has condemned the attacks on its neighbouring states. 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.

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KUWAIT

Kuwait has closed its airspace and suspended commercial flights. Kuwait International Airport has been struck and sustained terminal damage. Immigration and government services are disrupted. The situation should be monitored closely.

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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.

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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. This bulletin is valid through at least 2 March and will be reviewed based on developments.

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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.

If you have an urgent personal matter — such as a visa expiry, a medical situation, or stranded family members — please do not hesitate to contact us directly at [email protected] and [email protected]

We will issue further updates as the situation develops.