UAE residents have recieved messages from authorities about Iran’s strikes [Getty]
UAE authorities appear eager to project an image of normality as the country faces blowback from joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran, with airlines announcing the resumption of flights, and ministries and businesses stressing that tourism hotspots remain open.
The UAE has been the most heavily targeted country in the Gulf in Israel and the US’s ongoing war on Iran, with hundreds of Iranian drones and missiles fired at the country.
While air defences have intercepted the vast majority of projectiles, shrapnel has still caused some injuries and damage, including to the iconic Burj Al-Arab.
Despite this, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism said in a statement on Friday that the UAE “continues to welcome visitors with full commitment to safety and quality of standards” in a bid to reassure travellers.
“The Ministry of Economy and Tourism affirms that tourist destinations across the UAE continue to welcome visitors. Tourism facilities, hotels, and cultural and entertainment attractions are operating in accordance with approved regulations and the highest safety and quality standards,” it said on its account on Instagram.
“Authorities are also continuously monitoring operations to ensure a safe and smooth experience for all visitors.”
After widespread disruption, UAE carriers insist they continue flights to key cities around the world, as Iran targets cities across the Gulf, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Etihad said on Friday it was operating a limited flight schedule to around 70 destinations from Abu Dhabi.
Dubai-based carrier Emirates said it would be running a limited flight schedule to 82 destinations until further notice and that customers with a layover in Dubai would only be accepted if their connecting flight was operating.
Dubai authorities have repeatedly said it is business as usual in the emirate, with life continuing as normal, despite some tourist locations pausing operations due to the influx of Iranian drones and rockets.
Dubai Parks and Resorts, Ain Dubai, and Global Village were closed until 6 March, but could open again over the weekend, local media reported.
According to Everlist, a UAE-based tourism platform, “stakeholders in the tourism industry and tourism authorities have stressed that the tourism infrastructure in the country is still active, and the country has its airports, hotels, and even tourist attraction sites, which are still servicing tourists”.
The platform also said that many tourists are still visiting outdoor destinations and landmarks, despite countries organising the evacuation of citizens from the Gulf region via Oman.
Amid the continued Iranian attacks, UAE authorities have also warned citizens and residents against spreading disinformation or filming sensitive sites, such as security areas.
“It may seem like just a photo… but to some, it’s information. Do not photograph or share security or critical sites. Protecting them is a national responsibility that helps keep our community safe and secure,” Dubai Police said on Facebook.
Others in the UAE have shared messages reportedly received from authorities warning against filming rocket attacks.
While The New Arab could not confirm the text messages, this is typical protocol for any incident, including recording car accidents or altercations, in the Gulf state, which maintains tight controls on news and information.
The New Arab reached out to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comment, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
