Panic swept through Dubai on Friday as residents received urgent emergency alerts on their mobile phones warning of potential missile strikes. The alarms, which sounded simultaneously across the city around midday, come amidst a week of intense military activity in the Gulf, following Iranian strikes on US bases and strategic infrastructure in several neighbouring countries.
The messages, which were communicated in both Arabic and English by the Ministry of Interior, instructed citizens to take refuge in safe buildings, avoid windows and doors, and avoid open areas. One citizen described the situation as “complete panic” as four messages were sent in quick succession, instructing citizens to pack their bags and travel documents in anticipation of a swift evacuation.
The regional instability has been heightened to a fever pitch following the joint US and Israeli airstrikes on February 28, killing Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In the days since, Tehran has retaliated with a barrage of drones and ballistic missiles targeting US military installations and embassies across the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait. While Emirati air defences reportedly intercepted the majority of the threats on Friday, unconfirmed reports of distant explosions added to the unease in a city renowned for its stability.
The conflict has caused unprecedented chaos in the aviation sector. Dubai International Airport — a lynchpin of global travel — has faced rolling closures and severe restrictions since the start of the week, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. Indian travellers have been particularly affected, though the situation has begun to stabilise slightly. Since Monday, special flights have successfully repatriated hundreds of citizens to cities such as Mumbai and Pune, with many praising the UAE authorities for their efficient handling of the crisis under such volatile conditions.
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