Missile alerts and a safe haven tested: Dubai 12 days into the Iran conflict

• Since the war began, Dubai has seen drone strikes and falling debris from intercepted attacks.
• Schools and universities went remote and are now having an earlier spring break.
• Dubai authorities have warned residents and tourists against “spreading rumors.”

It’s been 12 days since the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, and the reverberations of the war continue to be felt across the region and beyond — including in Dubai, a city long defined by its reputation as a safe haven.

On Thursday, authorities said a drone hit a building in Dubai Creek Harbour, and debris from an intercepted attack struck the facade of a building on Sheikh Zayed Road.

The confirmation from authorities came after residents received missile alerts overnight — one of several such alerts issued since the war began.

In the days after the first strikes over the weekend that the war broke out, and as travel chaos ensued, several expats told Business Insider that they felt safe and protected in Dubai, and that people watching from afar were “relishing” the notion that Dubai might be done.

So, for the city whose reputation is predicated on its safe haven status, what has happened in the days since?

Guidance to schools and companies

The UAE moved schools and universities to remote learning and brought spring break forward by a week, beginning on Monday. It’s unclear if children will be able to return to classrooms after the break ends on March 22.

The government initially recommended that private-sector employees work remotely for the first few days after the war began.

While some workers have since returned to offices, several international companies have opted for extended remote working or evacuated their Dubai offices.

On Wednesday, Citigroup evacuated three buildings in the UAE, including Dubai, and implemented a “fully remote model.”

Other major firms, such as Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, and Amazon, have told their employees across the Middle East to work from home.

Warnings against rumors

Dubai Police have been posting reminders on X that “spreading rumors is a crime,” which can incur a fine of more than $50,000 and potentially imprisonment.

”Sharing rumors, false information, or any content that contradicts official announcements or that may cause public panic or threaten public safety, order, or health is prohibited,” a post on Dubai Police’s X reads.

Dubai authorities have been regularly updating their social media accounts with news of interceptions, attacks, and instructions.

Stephanie Baker, a British expat living in Dubai, said previously to Business Insider that the “strict instructions” have made her feel safe.

Circling flights

After thousands of flights were canceled into and out of Dubai, flights have partially restarted.

On Wednesday, two drones fell near Dubai International Airport, injuring four people. Dubai’s media office said later that day that air traffic was operating as normal.

Air travel remains complex, however. Business Insider has previously reported that, prior to landing, flights into Dubai often have to circle round due to Iranian drones or missiles.

Increased demand and a lower capacity, along with rising jet fuel prices because of oil market volatility, are prompting price hikes at some airlines, too.

Staycations amid travel chaos

Dubai’s hospitality industry has also felt the strain. The conflict is costing the Middle East an estimated $600 million per day in international visitor spending, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council.

Some hotels have rolled out staycation packages aimed at residents to offset the decline in international arrivals. Others are slashing prices by as much as 60%.

The drop in tourism and the advice to stay at home at the beginning of the war are also affecting small business owners.

Influencer Aaina Pahwa posted a reel on Instagram encouraging businesses to promote themselves in the comments in order to give “hype to businesses in Dubai that are having a tough month and still paying rent and salaries.”

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