The US Embassy in Abu Dhabi has issued a security alert urging American citizens in the United Arab Emirates to consider leaving if they can do so safely, citing escalating regional tensions linked to the US-Israel-Iran conflict. The alert comes as missile and drone activity across the Gulf has led to air defence interceptions, travel disruption, and incidents in Dubai tied to falling debris from interceptions.
US officials said the security situation could bring increased risks, shifting travel conditions, and limits on consular help. In the UAE, authorities have reported both a fatal incident and property damage after debris from aerial interception operations fell in populated areas of Dubai.
Embassy closure and travel guidance
The US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the US Consulate General in Dubai are closed to the public, and routine services have been suspended, according to the alert. The embassy also said there are currently no in-person consular services, including visa processing for foreign nationals, and advised people not to approach embassy or consulate buildings “for any reason” until further notice.
As a precaution, the US State Department ordered non-emergency government employees and their families to leave the UAE, the report said. The embassy urged Americans to consider departing on commercial flights if it is safe, while noting that regional airspace disruptions may affect schedules.
For those who cannot or choose not to leave, the embassy recommended sheltering in place, limiting movement outside, and staying away from windows and glass doors. It also warned that even when air defences intercept threats, falling debris can still pose serious danger.
Dubai debris incidents during interceptions
Dubai authorities confirmed that debris from a projectile destroyed during an aerial interception fell onto a vehicle in Al Barsha, killing the driver, who was identified as a Pakistani national. The Dubai Media Office said debris from the interception also struck the façade of a tower in Dubai Marina, and officials reported no injuries at that location.
Gulf News similarly reported that a vehicle in Al Barsha was struck by debris from an aerial interception, killing a Pakistani driver, and that debris also hit a tower façade in Dubai Marina with no injuries reported. Authorities in Dubai have said loud sounds reported by residents were linked to interception operations rather than direct impacts on populated areas.
Coverage of the Dubai Marina incident noted that smoke and damage circulated on social media, prompting public concern before officials described it as a contained, limited incident caused by falling debris. Emergency teams responded and secured the area, according to the Dubai Media Office description cited in the report.
Air defence activity and public alerts
Gulf News reported that the UAE’s air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 15 ballistic missiles and 119 drones on Saturday as part of a new wave of attacks targeting the country, citing the Ministry of Defence. The same report said air defences detected 16 ballistic missiles on March 7 and destroyed 15, while one fell into the sea, and detected 121 drones, intercepting 119 while two fell within UAE territory.
Authorities have issued mobile alerts warning of potential missile threats and urging residents to seek shelter in secure buildings and follow official instructions, according to Gulf News. The report also said officials warned against filming or posting unverified content on social media during alerts.
Moneycontrol reported verified videos showing thick smoke rising from Dubai’s 23 Marina Tower and said authorities later clarified the damage occurred after UAE air defence systems intercepted incoming threats, with the Dubai Media Office describing it as a minor incident on the building’s façade with no injuries. In a separate Times of India report about Dubai Marina, officials likewise described the incident as debris-related and not a direct attack.
Flight disruptions across the Gulf
The US embassy alert said commercial flights were still operating, but warned that regional airspace disruptions may affect schedules. Gulf News reported Dubai Airports partially resumed operations and advised travellers not to go unless their flights are confirmed, while Emirates and flydubai resumed limited flights with full network restoration expected in coming days.
Across the wider Gulf, Travel and Tour World reported heightened alert conditions in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, along with repeated interceptions and airspace disruption between March 6 and March 8, 2026. The same report said Air India Express cancelled flights to and from Bahrain, Dammam, Doha, Kuwait, and Riyadh until March 13, 2026, and offered refunds or rebooking, while Air India suspended flights to and from Dammam, Doha, and Riyadh until March 10, 2026.
Travel and Tour World also reported that Qatar temporarily closed its airspace to most commercial operations and that Qatar Airways announced a suspension of flights operating out of Doha, with only limited air traffic allowed under restrictions. The report said governments and agencies issued travel warnings as the situation evolved and urged travellers to monitor airline updates and follow local guidance.
