The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi on Thursday issued an advisory urging Indian national residing in the United Arab Emirates to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities amid the prevailing security situation in the region.
In the advisory, the embassy called on Indian citizens to remain calm, stay alert and adhere to instructions issued by UAE authorities as well as official advisories that may be released periodically. The notice comes at a time when heightened regional tensions have affected aviation operations and prompted precautionary security measures.
According to the embassy, the UAE’s airspace and regular scheduled flight operations continue to remain temporarily suspended due to the ongoing security situation. However, limited non-scheduled flight operations have begun between the UAE and India. These flights are being operated by Indian and UAE airlines in coordination with the local authorities and are subject to operational and safety approvals.
Indian nationals currently stranded in the UAE have been advised to contact their respective airlines to explore travel options on these limited services. The advisory noted that these special flights are being arranged to assist passengers affected by disruptions to normal aviation schedules.
The embassy clarified that its consular services continue to function normally. The diplomatic mission in Abu Dhabi, along with the Consulate General of India in Dubai, remains operational, and passport, consular and visa services managed through outsourced service providers are continuing without disruption. Helpline numbers have also been released for Indian nationals who may require assistance or clarification regarding the evolving situation.
The advisory also addressed concerns regarding visa validity for individuals unable to leave the country due to the temporary suspension of flights. The Federal Authority for Identity Citizenship Customs and Port Security has announced a waiver of overstay fines for visitors and other individuals whose visas expired after February 28 but who could not depart because of the extraordinary circumstances.
Indian authorities emphasised that the safety and well-being of citizens abroad remain a priority and that developments in the region are being monitored closely at the highest levels of the government. The embassy and the consulate are maintaining contact with UAE authorities as well as leaders of the Indian community to ensure that the concerns of residents are addressed.
Updates and advisories are expected to continue through official embassy channels, including websites and social media platforms, as the situation evolves.
The advisory follows statements from the UAE Ministry of Defence regarding recent security developments. The ministry reported that its air defence systems intercepted three ballistic missiles and detected 129 drones during recent hostilities. Of these, 121 drones were intercepted while eight reportedly fell within the country.
The defence ministry also stated that since the start of the Iranian attack, 189 ballistic missiles directed towards the UAE had been detected. Among these, 175 were destroyed by air defence systems, 13 fell into the sea and one landed within the country’s territory. Additionally, 941 drones were detected, with 876 intercepted and 65 falling within the country, while eight cruise missiles were also detected and destroyed.
Authorities in both countries have continued to issue updates as they monitor the situation and coordinate measures aimed at maintaining safety and stability for residents and travellers in the region.
