As the conflict between the United States and Iran continues to escalate, its ripple effects are being felt across the Middle East. Residents in Dubai and Qatar received emergency alerts on their mobile phones on Thursday warning of a possible missile threat, triggering concern across the Gulf region. Authorities in Qatar later reassured residents that the potential security threat had been eliminated.
The alerts came amid intensifying hostilities in the region, with several countries preparing to evacuate their nationals as drones and missiles continue to be launched from Tehran. Governments worldwide have begun coordinating evacuation plans as fears grow over the safety of foreign nationals living and travelling in the Gulf.
Several European countries, including Hungary, Italy, Germany, Bulgaria and Netherlands, have launched efforts to bring back their citizens from the region. Many of these evacuations are being conducted through neighbouring countries as airspace restrictions continue to disrupt direct travel from the Gulf.
The situation has also affected major travel hubs such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which receive a large number of international tourists every year. Authorities are now working to ensure the safe evacuation of visitors stranded due to flight disruptions.
The tensions escalated last week after the United States and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran. Since then, Tehran has carried out retaliatory strikes targeting US bases and diplomatic facilities across the Gulf, raising alarm in countries including United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
Security Alerts in the UAE
Residents in Dubai reported receiving a security notification warning of “potential missile threats.” The alert advised people to immediately seek shelter in the nearest secure building and stay away from windows, doors and open areas. According to reports, a similar warning was later sent to residents in Qatar.
Despite the warnings, authorities in Qatar later issued a fresh notification confirming that the security threat had been neutralised.
India Issues Advisory for Tourists in Qatar
Amid the ongoing crisis, the Embassy of India in Qatar issued an advisory for tourists travelling on the Hayya A1 Visa. The embassy urged such travellers to fill out a form to help authorities determine the number of stranded Indian nationals in the country.
The advisory clarified that the form was intended only to gather information about Indians who are not residents of Qatar but remain stranded due to the conflict and travel disruptions.
India Plans 96 Flights for Evacuation
India has also stepped up efforts to assist its citizens in the region. The government announced that domestic airlines would operate 96 flights on Friday to facilitate travel to and from the Middle East.
These flights are expected to help evacuate Indian nationals from countries including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, where thousands of Indians live and work.
Meanwhile, the closure of several airspaces and restrictions on flights have significantly disrupted travel across the Middle East since the conflict intensified. As the situation remains volatile, governments and embassies continue to monitor developments and coordinate evacuation efforts to ensure the safety of their citizens.
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