Australia orders diplomatic family members to leave UAE amid Middle East conflict

Canberra — The Australian government has ordered the evacuation of families of diplomats stationed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East region.

In a statement posted to social media platform X on Sunday evening (8 March), Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced that the government has instructed the departure of dependents of Australian officials posted to the UAE due to “deteriorating security conditions.”

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Sunday that civilian infrastructure and locations across the country have been targeted by more than 1,400 ballistic missiles and drones launched by Iran, resulting in casualties and injuries amongst the civilian population.

Wong revealed on Sunday that the government is working to assist Australian citizens in leaving the country, following its recommendation for all Australian nationals to depart on 28 February.

In early March, the Australian government reported approximately 24,000 Australian citizens in the UAE and around 115,000 Australian citizens throughout the Middle East region.