Dubai Safety Guide: What Residents & Expats Must Know Right Now (Feb 28, 2026)

On February 28, 2026, US and Israeli military forces launched coordinated strikes on Iran. Iran subsequently retaliated by launching missiles and drones targeting Gulf states hosting US military installations — including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE.

International media, including BBC News live coverage, has reported explosions in the vicinity of Dubai, with the Palm Jumeirah area and Sheikh Zayed Road area referenced in media reports. UAE military air defense systems — including Patriot and THAAD batteries — are actively operational and reportedly intercepting incoming threats.

Iran's airspace has been closed. The situation is rapidly evolving as of the time of writing. Regional leaders are in emergency communication.

This is a serious but managed security situation. The UAE has among the most sophisticated air defense infrastructure in the region and has been preparing contingency protocols for precisely this type of scenario.

Source: BBC News live coverage — bbc.com/news/live/cn5ge95q6y7t. This blog post will be updated as official information becomes available. Always defer to UAE government sources above all others.

Astraterra Properties does not take political positions on this conflict. Our only concern here is the safety and wellbeing of our community in Dubai.

The following steps are based on internationally recognised civil emergency protocols. Please read all of them carefully and act accordingly.

1. Stay Indoors

This is the most important step. Do not go outside to watch, film, or investigate any sounds or flashes. Stay inside your home, apartment, or building. If you are in a mall or public building, remain where you are and follow staff instructions.

2. Stay Away From Windows

Secondary blast pressure from explosions — even at a distance — can shatter glass and project shards at high velocity. Move away from all windows and glass surfaces immediately. Close curtains or blinds if possible, but prioritise distance over anything else.

3. Move to an Inner Room or Ground Floor

If you hear explosion sounds or your building shakes, move to an inner room with no external walls, or move to the ground floor. Interior stairwells in residential towers provide excellent structural protection. The building core is your safest zone.

4. Do NOT Use Elevators

During any security or emergency alert, elevators must be avoided. Use staircases. Power interruptions can strand you in a lift at exactly the wrong moment.

5. Keep Your Phone Charged

Maintain your phone at 20% or above at all times right now. Charge it immediately if it is below that threshold. You need your phone for official alerts, communication with family, and emergency calls. If you have a power bank, charge it too.

6. Prepare a Document Bag

Place the following in one bag that you can grab quickly: passport, Emirates ID, insurance cards, some cash, any essential medications. This is standard emergency preparedness — not a signal to leave, but to be ready if authorities direct you to evacuate.

7. Keep 3 Days of Water, Food and Medication

Ensure you have at least 3 days worth of water (minimum 3 litres per person per day), non-perishable food, and any prescription medications accessible. Do not leave your building to stock up right now — work with what you have.

8. Follow ONLY Official Sources

WhatsApp groups, social media posts, and unverified accounts will be spreading misinformation at an extraordinary rate right now. Trust only: ncema.gov.ae, @DubaiMediaOffice on X, UAE government portal (u.ae), and internationally verified outlets like BBC and Reuters. Do not share unverified information — it causes panic.

9. Do Not Crowd Hospitals Unless Necessary

If you are not injured and do not have a medical emergency, do not go to hospitals or clinics. Emergency services need to be available for those who genuinely need them. If you have a medical emergency, call 998 immediately.

10. If You Are Driving — Pull Over Safely

If you are in a vehicle when you hear alert sounds: pull over to the side of the road safely, turn off your engine, stay inside the vehicle, stay low, and wait. Do not attempt to drive through an active situation — your car provides reasonable protection and you are safer stationary than moving.

Save these numbers now. Screenshot this page and share it with your family in Dubai.

UAE Emergency Numbers

• Police Emergency: 999
• Dubai Police (Non-Emergency): 901
• Ambulance: 998
• Fire and Dubai Civil Defence: 997

Official Government Information Sources

• NCEMA (National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority): ncema.gov.ae
• Dubai Media Office on X: @DubaiMediaOffice
• UAE Government Portal: u.ae
• RTA (Roads and Transport): @rta_dubai on X for transport updates
• GCAA (General Civil Aviation Authority): For airport status updates

For Expats — Embassy Contacts

If you require consular assistance or evacuation support, contact your embassy immediately. Do not wait.

• British Embassy Dubai: +971 4 309 4444
• US Embassy Abu Dhabi: +971 2 414 2200
• Indian Consulate Dubai: +971 4 397 1222
• Australian Embassy Abu Dhabi: +971 2 401 7500
• Canadian Embassy Abu Dhabi: +971 2 694 0300

If your country is not listed above, search your country name plus Embassy UAE — most embassies have 24-hour emergency lines active during crisis situations.

Joseph's Take

"As a Dubai-based real estate professional, I've seen this city weather many regional storms. Dubai's infrastructure, air defense systems, and emergency services are among the most advanced in the world. Stay calm, stay informed through official channels, and look out for your neighbours. We've built something extraordinary here — and we protect it together."

— Joseph Toubia, Astraterra Properties

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Should I leave Dubai right now?A: Follow UAE government guidance only. Authorities have not issued evacuation orders as of this writing. Stay calm and await official direction from NCEMA and UAE government channels before making any decision to travel.

Q: Is it safe to use Dubai Metro or RTA transport?A: Avoid all non-essential travel right now. Check @rta_dubai on X and the RTA official website for real-time service status. Do not travel unless it is absolutely necessary.

Q: What do I do if I hear a loud explosion?A: Move away from windows immediately. Go to an inner room or the ground floor. If you are outdoors, lie flat on the ground away from any structures and cover your head. Do not run. Do not panic. Wait for official guidance.

Q: Will Dubai Airport be affected?A: Iran's airspace has been closed, which will affect flight routes. Monitor Emirates, flydubai, and GCAA official channels for real-time updates. Do not travel to the airport without confirming your flight status first.

Q: Where do I get accurate updates?A: ONLY from UAE government channels (ncema.gov.ae, @DubaiMediaOffice), the UAE Government portal (u.ae), and internationally verified news outlets such as BBC News and Reuters. Do not trust WhatsApp messages, unverified social media posts, or unnamed sources.

Q: My building is shaking — what do I do?A: Move away from windows. Go to an inner corridor or stairwell. Do not use the elevator. Stay low if you feel unsafe. Call 999 if you believe there is immediate danger to life in your building.

Important Note: This blog post is a community resource compiled from publicly available emergency guidance. Always follow official UAE government directives above all other sources, including this post. Astraterra Properties is a real estate firm — we are not an emergency authority. For medical emergencies call 998, for police call 999, for fire call 997. Stay safe, Dubai.