Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members in the UAE can register on DFAT’s registration portal to receive direct updates from DFAT. See ‘Safety’ for the link to register. Keep your registration details up to date so we can contact you with important information.
Due to the volatile security situation in the region and military strikes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) we raised our level of advice for the UAE to do not travel on 28 February. Retaliatory strikes are occurring across the Middle East region following military strikes on Iran, resulting in widespread movement restrictions and other travel disruptions in the region. Australian officials are sheltering in place during strikes. The UAE airspace may open or close at short notice, impacting flights at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports.
Prioritise your safety, monitor events and follow local advice, including instructions to shelter in place during strikes. Be aware of your environment and avoid government, military or energy infrastructure, including oil production facilities. Avoid US diplomatic missions and other locations associated with US interests. Monitor local warning systems and if warned of an imminent attack, move to an enclosed hardened shelter, ideally underground or close to ground level if available. If these are not available, seek an inner room without windows.
Verify the status of any border crossing before you travel by air, land or sea. Consider recent attacks in your area and that airports are more vulnerable to strikes. Make sure you have access to food, water and essential medicines.
Terrorism is a threat, including in the UAE. Terrorist attacks could happen at any time or anywhere. Avoid possible targets including venues that draw in foreigners, tourists or crowds where possible.
US Embassies in the Middle East are issuing local security alerts. We encourage you to monitor US security alerts in your location and follow this advice.
The Australian Government has directed the departure of all dependants of Australian officials posted to the UAE in response to the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East.
Australian officials remain in country and continue to provide consular services. Due to the heightened security concerns, the Australian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Australian Consulate-General in Dubai are physically closed to the public. You can still contact our consular teams via email or telephone. See ‘Local Contacts’.
If you need emergency consular assistance, contact the Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 (if you’re overseas) and 1300 555 135 (in Australia).
We advise:
Do not travel to the UAE due to the volatile security situation in the region.
