81,000 Indonesian Citizens Residing in UAE Amid Middle East Conflict Escalation
Jakarta – Indonesia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United Arab Emirates, Judha Nugraha, stated that approximately 81,000 Indonesian citizens reside in the country.
“According to statistical information provided by UAE authorities, there are 81,000 of our citizens residing in the UAE,” said Judha, as reported by Kompas TV on Monday, 9 March 2026.
However, the registered reports documented at the Indonesian Embassy and Consulates General total only around 11,000 individuals.
“We certainly want to continue encouraging this, especially in the emergency situation we currently face. Accurate data will be very helpful for Indonesian diplomatic missions to provide rapid and appropriate responses,” he explained.
He noted that following Iran’s attack on the UAE on 28 February, the Indonesian Embassy established Alert Level 3 status for all Indonesian citizens in the country, including ship crews working in waters around the Strait of Hormuz.
“We certainly hope they will increase vigilance and take early protective measures,” he said.
The Embassy has requested Indonesian citizens to immediately contact the Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General in Dubai in case of emergency situations. Additionally, he reiterated the importance of citizens registering with diplomatic missions.
He stated that several civilian facilities have become targets, including airports in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The United States Consulate in Dubai was also reported to have been affected by the attacks.
According to Judha, the UAE’s air defence system was able to intercept the majority of attacks. A total of 1,534 missiles and drones have entered UAE airspace, with approximately 92 per cent successfully intercepted.
However, the greatest threat comes from debris and fragments from intercepted missiles, which poses a risk to nearby residents.
“The greatest threat comes from debris or fragments from intercepted missiles, which can endanger people in the surrounding areas,” he explained.
He added that so far, four people have been reported dead and approximately 94 people have been injured as a result of the incident.
The Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has issued a number of security alerts to Indonesian citizens, urging them to remain calm whilst maintaining heightened awareness and following directions from local authorities.