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Received an emergency alert? Here’s what UAE residents need to do next
Dubai's government media office has issued precautionary steps for residents to take at home, outdoors, or on the road when they receive alerts amid regional tensions
- PUBLISHED: Fri 13 Mar 2026, 9:19 PM
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.]
Authorities in the UAE have issued a comprehensive safety guide for residents on what to do when receiving shelter-in-place alerts, as regional tensions continue to escalate following the outbreak of the US-Israel-Iran conflict.
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Since the beginning of the recent hostilities, residents and citizens across the UAE have received alerts from the Ministry of Interior (MOI) regarding potential missile threats.
In response, Dubai's Government Media Office has released a precautionary guide to ensure public safety during such emergencies.
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For residents who are inside a home, office or building, here are the steps to take:
Step away from balconies or windows.
Move to the central area of the structure they are in
Stay clear of glass partitions or surfaces. This is because glass could shatter due to the impact of fallen debris and injure those standing close to it.
Listen to building security or announcements
Avoid using elevators, unless specifically instructed to do so
Continue to take these measures until the follow up safety message from MOI is sent out
Those who are outdoor must follow these steps:
When they receive the alert, they must move into the nearest building
People must avoid open spaces
They must not stand next to an external wall or glass panel
Those who are driving must do the following:
Continue driving calmly and with caution
Do not stop on the road or get distracted by filming
Proceed to the nearest indoor location and take shelter there
Once the all-clear is issued, residents may resume normal activities. Residents have been advised to only follow verified channels for information and avoid spreading false information on social media.
Authorities have repeatedly said that it was a punishable offense to take videos and photos of missile interceptions or falling debris and posting them online. According to Fujairah Police, such video could reveal exact geographic locations, infrastructure, security presence, and supply chain activity to adversaries.
Government sources have emphasized that these measures are precautions designed to ensure that all community members respond to such alerts in a safe and calm manner. Dubai remains safe and full operational and there is no need for residents to panic.
