Amid the conflict in the Middle East, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security in the United Arab Emirates has announced that residents who are currently abroad with expired residence permits will be allowed to return to the country.
The move is in response to regional disruptions, including airspace closures that have prevented residents from returning. The measure will be valid for one month from February 28, 2026.
The ICP said the initiative aims to help residents abroad return and simplify travel procedures during the designated period. Eligible residents will be allowed to re-enter the UAE upon arrival and adjust their residency status through the appropriate official channels.
Authorities noted that the move underscores the UAE’s continued commitment to supporting residents and implementing flexible administrative measures in response to exceptional circumstances.
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The initiative will remain in place until March 31, giving foreigners a one-month grace period to return and resolve their visa status upon arrival. Once residents return to the UAE, they can take the necessary steps to renew or legalize their stay through the relevant immigration authorities.
As of December 2018, the UAE passport holds the number one position globally according to Arton Capital’s Passport Index. From 1 January 2020, a UAE passport holder can easily travel to 179 countries worldwide; According to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 118 destinations offer visa-free travel and 61 eVisa or visa on arrival at the airport.
In 2024, Dubai’s population increased by more than 169,000 to reach 3.825 million. This marked the emirate’s fastest annual population growth since 2018. Of Dubai’s four million residents, there are approximately 81,200 millionaires, 237 centenarians and 20 billionaires, according to Henley & Partners’ 2025 World’s Richest Cities report.
Emirati citizens make up only about 12% of the population, while 88% are foreigners, with Indians being the largest ethnic group, accounting for roughly 25-30% of the population.
Middle East conflict: Capture debris causes fire in Dubai
The Middle East has seen aviation disruptions in recent weeks due to escalating regional tensions that have forced airlines to cancel or divert flights through several Gulf countries.
Thick black smoke billowed over the Dubai skyline early Friday after what authorities described as a fire in an industrial area of the city, the AP reported.
An Associated Press reporter reported seeing the fire in the Al Quoz neighborhood, where bystanders gathered to watch the smoke. The police prevented the journalist from approaching the place, which was located in a dead end.
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The Dubai Media Authority, which issues a statement for its government, said “debris from the successful capture caused a minor incident on the facade of a building in downtown Dubai”. It said there were no injuries, although black smoke curled over the horizon as far as the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab luxury hotel.
US President Donald Trump vowed to “finish the job” despite claiming Iran was “virtually destroyed”. The first week of the war cost the United States $11.3 billion, according to the Pentagon.
The UN refugee agency says up to 3.2 million people have been displaced in Iran, while Lebanese authorities say 800,000 residents were forced from their homes as the Israeli military targeted buildings linked to Iran-backed Hezbollah militants.
(With input from agencies)
