Emergency Alert in Abu Dhabi; Latest Notification Advises Situation is Safe
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Emergency alerts have sounded and sent notifications to mobile phones of residents in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), several times over the past 36 hours, with the latest alert at 13:29 local time confirming that conditions are now safe and normal.
An ANTARA news agency correspondent, Hanni Sofia, who was in Abu Dhabi on Sunday (1 March) whilst travelling back to Indonesia from Saudi Arabia, received multiple notifications from local authorities regarding the developing situation. The latest message from the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) stated: “Thank you for your cooperation. We would like to reassure you that the situation is currently safe, and you may resume your normal activities whilst continuing to remain cautious and taking the necessary precautions.”
Current conditions in Abu Dhabi appear normal, with public activities resuming as usual and shopping centres remaining open. However, fewer people are visible in public spaces, with residents preferring to remain indoors. UAE authorities have implemented online learning for students from primary to university level on Monday (2 March) pending normalisation of the situation. The authorities have also urged residents to monitor only reliable information sources and are imposing fines for those spreading false information about the incident.
The emergency alerts followed Iranian missile strikes launched on Saturday evening (28 February) against US and Israeli military installations in the Gulf region, including targets in the UAE. Initial warnings urged residents to seek shelter in safe buildings, avoid windows and doors, and remain in open areas. Explosions and military aircraft sounds were reported throughout Saturday evening and into Sunday morning. In response, the UAE Ministry of Defence successfully intercepted missiles and condemned the attacks.
The escalation has caused widespread airspace closures and restrictions across the Middle East. Major regional airports, including Dubai International and Hamad International in Doha, have suspended operations, diverted flights, or cancelled services entirely. Etihad Airways suspended all departures from Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. The airspace closures have affected airlines throughout the Gulf region, leaving passengers facing flight cancellations, route diversions, and travel plan uncertainties. Some transit passengers stranded in Abu Dhabi have made emergency shopping trips to purchase replacement clothing.