The United States on Monday urged its citizens in the United Arab Emirates to consider leaving the region as tensions in the Middle East continue.
In a security advisory, the U.S. government said commercial flights remain available from Abu Dhabi and Dubai but warned of possible cancellations. Americans who remain were advised to prepare to shelter in place.
The advisory said the United States Department of State was closely monitoring developments and would continue providing updates to help Americans make decisions about their safety.
Officials noted that an increasing number of commercial flights are currently operating from international airports in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Seats are available on flights travelling to multiple destinations in the United States and Europe, although authorities warned that some services may be cancelled with little notice due to the evolving security situation.
The warning comes as Emirates announced the suspension of several flights across parts of the Middle East due to regional security concerns.
Passengers were advised not to travel to the airport unless they have a confirmed ticket and have been instructed by their airline to do so.
The travel advisory comes amid escalating conflict between Iran and the alliance of the United States and Israel, which has heightened security concerns across the Middle East.
The crisis intensified in late February after joint U.S. and Israeli strikes targeted Iranian military sites, triggering retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Iran across the region.
Since then, Iran has targeted U.S. military bases and strategic infrastructure in several Gulf countries, including areas near airports and ports, raising fears that regional states hosting American forces could become potential targets.
Recent incidents, including a drone strike near Dubai International Airport that briefly disrupted flights, have intensified concerns over civilian safety and aviation security.
The conflict has also disrupted global aviation routes, forced airspace closures and prompted airlines to cancel or reroute flights across the region.
Against this backdrop, Washington issued the advisory urging American citizens in the UAE to remain vigilant and consider departure options while commercial flights remain available.
According to the advisory, access to certain airport facilities is restricted to confirmed travellers only.
In addition to air travel, the U.S. government said some overland travel routes remain open.
Borders between the UAE and neighbouring countries, including Oman and Saudi Arabia, are currently operating, and commercial flights continue to depart from airports in those countries.
However, officials warned that travellers may experience congestion at border crossings and reminded citizens that visa requirements remain in place when entering neighbouring states.
Authorities also highlighted that UAE immigration rules regarding exit bans continue to apply.
Individuals subject to such restrictions will not be permitted to leave the country.
Travellers were advised to verify their status through the Dubai Police App, the Dubai Police website, or by visiting police stations in Abu Dhabi or Dubai.
The advisory also warned Americans about potential scams linked to evacuation or travel arrangements.
Officials urged citizens to avoid sending money to individuals claiming to offer assistance and encouraged victims of fraud to report incidents to the appropriate authorities.
Meanwhile, the U.S. diplomatic mission in the UAE has instructed all U.S. government employees in the country to shelter in place until further notice.
Officials recommended that American citizens in the UAE take similar precautions where possible.
This includes remaining inside residences, hotels, or other secure buildings and staying away from windows in the event of a security incident.
The U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi and the U.S. Consulate General Dubai have suspended all routine consular services due to the security situation.
Citizens were told not to approach embassy or consulate facilities unless specifically instructed.
However, limited emergency passport services remain available for Americans without valid travel documents.
Those requiring urgent assistance have been advised to contact consular officials by email to arrange services.
Officials also said passports currently held by U.S. diplomatic missions would be distributed as security conditions permit, with citizens contacted individually when collection arrangements are possible.
The advisory encouraged Americans in the UAE to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which allows citizens abroad to receive security updates and travel alerts directly from U.S. embassies.
Authorities also reminded residents that local laws in the UAE prohibit spreading unverified information or sharing footage of drone or missile incidents on social media.
Violations could result in prosecution, fines, or imprisonment under UAE law.
Americans were further advised to maintain communication with family members and keep travel documents readily accessible.
They were also encouraged to prepare emergency supplies including food, water, medication and other essential items in case they are required to remain indoors for extended periods.
In case of a security incident, citizens were urged to avoid debris, monitor official announcements and follow instructions issued by local authorities.
The advisory concluded by emphasising the importance of staying aware of surroundings, keeping mobile phones charged and monitoring official communications for further guidance as the situation develops.
