What should I do if I'm stranded in Dubai or Abu Dhabi?

Immediate steps for people stuck in the UAE

Cities across the UAE have seen major travel disruption, with passengers left ashore while airports operate on a reduced or repatriation-first schedule. The highest priorities are personal safety, official registration, and maintaining access to reliable information.

Do these four things first:

• Confirm safety and shelter: If authorities advise sheltering, follow local instructions and stay where you are until it’s safe to move.
• Register with your embassy or consulate: Governments are coordinating repatriation flights and consular assistance; registering can speed help and keep relatives informed.
• Contact your airline or tour operator: Airlines running limited services are prioritising customers for rebooking and evacuation flights; follow their official channels for rebooking, vouchers, or refunds.
• Document expenses: Save receipts and screenshots for hotels, meals, and alternative transport — you may need them for insurance or reimbursement.

Other practical tips

• Be wary of unofficial offers. Scammers target stranded travellers with fake evacuation tickets and sham booking services; use only airline, government, or recognised travel-company channels.
• Use embassy helplines and social media updates. Western governments and the UAE published guidance and are arranging special repatriation flights; official updates often include flight lists, emergency numbers, and approved channels for assistance.
• Check travel insurance and credit-card protections. Some policies cover emergency evacuation or trip interruption; call your insurer’s emergency line to understand what’s covered and how to file a claim.

Finally, expect uncertainty. Repatriation capacity and flight schedules can change quickly as airspace reopens or closes. If alternative routings exist (for example, flights via nearby countries), weigh the cost and time of rerouting against waiting for scheduled repatriation. Keep family and employers informed, and prioritise safety over speed while authorities organise departures.