UAE on high alert as regional tensions disrupt airspace

Saturday 28 February 2026 - 10:50

By: Dakir Madiha

UAE on high alert as regional tensions disrupt airspace

The United Arab Emirates has placed its security services on maximum alert as military tensions escalate across the Gulf following joint United States and Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent Iranian missile launches in the region.

In a statement issued from Abu Dhabi, the Ministry of Interior said it is closely monitoring fast moving developments and stands ready to implement precautionary measures to safeguard people across the country. The ministry stressed that protecting citizens, residents and visitors remains its highest priority and confirmed it is coordinating fully with other security and government bodies.

Officials said the public would be informed of any new measures through official channels as the situation evolves. Authorities urged residents to rely exclusively on verified information from UAE institutions and warned against spreading rumors or unconfirmed reports that could trigger confusion or panic. The ministry called for cooperation with security and emergency services and compliance with official instructions to maintain internal stability during a period of regional uncertainty. Local media repeated the appeal for calm and reported that police and civil defense units remain deployed and prepared to respond if necessary.

Separately, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority announced a temporary and partial closure of the country’s airspace as a precaution. The authority said the measure is designed to protect flight operations, aircrews and national airspace amid rapidly changing security conditions. The restrictions have resulted in delays and diversions for some commercial flights passing through the region. Aviation officials said the curbs will be reviewed in line with security assessments and emphasized that passenger and crew safety will guide any decision to reopen affected corridors.

The heightened alert follows warnings from several US diplomatic missions in the Gulf, including those in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, advising staff to shelter in place and urging American citizens to move to secure indoor locations with essential supplies. The advisories came after reports that Iranian missiles targeted US associated facilities in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and the UAE in response to strikes on Iranian territory.

While Emirati authorities have not reported direct attacks inside the country, the combination of military activity and precautionary steps underscores the vulnerability of Gulf states to a widening confrontation that could affect regional airspace and critical infrastructure.