Amid US-Israeli military action against Iran, the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi on Saturday issued an “Important Advisory” urging Indian nationals in the UAE to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel and follow security guidelines amid heightened regional tensions.
In this advisory, the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi said, “In view of the current regional situation, all Indian nationals in the UAE are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, exercise due caution, remain vigilant, follow safety instructions and recommendations as and when issued by the UAE authorities and the Embassy.
“The Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai continue to operate as normal and will issue updates as required. Indian nationals in the UAE may contact the following numbers for any urgent queries.”
Indian nationals in the UAE seeking assistance can approach the embassy through several channels. They can call the toll-free number 800-46342, send a WhatsApp message to +971 54 309 0571 or send an email to pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in. for guidance and support.
One killed in Abu Dhabi
Several Gulf Arab countries reported being hit by Iranian missiles on Saturday after Tehran vowed to retaliate against US and Israeli attacks. The escalation has brought conflict to a region usually considered relatively safe.
Read also | US-Iran tensions escalate: UK, Russia and Australia respond to Tehran strikes
In the United Arab Emirates, state media confirmed one person had died in Abu Dhabi, but gave no further details, Reuters reported.
Smoke rises in the sky after explosions were heard following US and Israeli strikes against Iran in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Feb. 28, 2026, in this still image obtained from video. Video obtained by Reuters/via REUTERS. THIS IMAGE WAS SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. VERIFICATION: -Buildings, road layout and vegetation matching files and satellite images -Date and location confirmed from original metadata -Witnesses told Reuters about explosions in Abu Dhabi on Saturday (February 28)(via REUTERS)
Eyewitnesses, including two Reuters reporters, reported hearing loud explosions throughout Abu Dhabi. Some residents received phone alerts advising them to take shelter in the nearest secure building and stay away from windows due to rocket threats.
One witness described hearing five rapid explosions that caused the windows of a house near Abu Dhabi’s Corniche to vibrate. Others in the Al Dhafra and Bateen areas also reported hearing loud booms. Fighter jets were seen in the skies around Yas Island on Saturday afternoon.
Russia condemns US and Israeli attacks on Iran
Russia on Saturday condemned the US and Israeli attacks on Iran as a “dangerous adventure” that could trigger a regional “catastrophe” and advised its citizens to leave both Iran and Israel, AFP reported.
Read also | Explosions in Abu Dhabi, Dubai as Iran fires missiles after US-Israeli attack
“Washington and Tel-Aviv have once again embarked on a dangerous adventure that is rapidly bringing the region to the brink of a humanitarian, economic and – it cannot be ruled out – radiological disaster,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday.
Smoke rises after the state news agency reported a missile attack on a US Fifth Fleet service center following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran in Manama, Bahrain, Feb. 28, 2026, in this still image obtained from video. Video obtained by Reuters/via REUTERS THIS IMAGE WAS SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. VERIFICATION: -Buildings, road layout and satellite images matching the port -Date verified using metadata of original file -Bahrain said US Fifth Fleet service center came under missile attack -Smoke coming from the direction of the US Naval Base in Manama, Bahrain(via REUTERS)
“The intentions of the aggressors are clear and openly declared: to destroy the constitutional order and overthrow the government of a state they consider undesirable and which has refused to submit to the dictates of force and hegemony,” it added.
“The responsibility for the negative consequences of this man-made crisis, including the unpredictable chain reaction and escalating spiral of violence, rests entirely with them,” the ministry said.
Air India issues travel advisory
Amid rapidly escalating tensions in the Middle East, Air India and Qatar Airways have issued travel advisories to suspend all their flights to destinations across the region.
In a travel advisory published on X, the airline said operations to all destinations in the Middle East had been suspended in light of the evolving situation.
“Due to the evolving situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended. We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety for our passengers and crew. We will continue to evaluate the safety and security environment for our flight operations and proactively adjust operations as needed. Our teams will provide all necessary support to passengers. We encourage you to check your flight status here for the latest updates.”
Similarly, Qatar Airways confirmed the temporary suspension of flights to and from Doha following the closure of Qatari airspace.
“Temporary suspension of Qatar Airways flights due to closure of Qatari airspace. Qatar Airways Group confirms the temporary suspension of its flights to and from Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace. The airline is working closely with government stakeholders and relevant authorities to support affected passengers and will resume operations once airspace reopens.”
Once normal operations resume, we expect delays to our flight schedule. We have also deployed additional ground staff at Hamad International Airport and other key airports to assist affected passengers. The safety of our passengers and employees is always our top priority and we apologize for any inconvenience caused, the airline wrote on X.
The Indian embassy in Tehran had earlier urged Indian citizens to exercise utmost caution and avoid unnecessary movement as tensions escalate. Israel has declared a nationwide state of emergency, while reports indicate heavy explosions in parts of Tehran.
(With input from agencies)
