EVACUATION GUIDE: If you're a Dubai resident, Golden Visa holder, or expat looking to leave the UAE during the Iran conflict, this guide covers every option available. From US Embassy evacuation assistance to charter flights and land border crossings, here's your complete departure plan.
Whether you own property in Dubai and need to secure it before leaving, or have a business to manage remotely, we cover everything you need to know for a safe departure.
Evacuation Status — March 7, 2026
~9,000 Americans already evacuated. 44,000+ UAE travelers repatriation ongoing. US Embassy closed — use emergency hotline. Charter flights from DWC available. Land borders to Oman OPEN.
Option 1: Embassy-Assisted Evacuation
Your embassy can provide evacuation assistance, though capacity is limited:
US Citizens
Embassy Status: CLOSED. Non-emergency staff departed.
Emergency Line: +971-4-309-4000
After Hours: +1-202-501-4444
STEP Registration: step.state.gov (mandatory for evacuation assistance)
Evacuations: ~9,000 Americans already evacuated via charter flights
UK Citizens
Embassy Status: Limited services
Emergency Line: +971-4-309-4444
After Hours: +44-20-7008-5000
Registration: Register at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Indian Citizens
Consulate Status: Operational
Emergency Line: +971-4-397-1222
Helpline: +971-56-546-3903
Air India: Special repatriation flights announced
Filipino Citizens
Consulate Status: Operational
Emergency Line: +971-4-220-7100
POLO Dubai: +971-4-220-1188
Status: Coordinating evacuation with employers
Option 2: Commercial & Charter Flights
Flight options for departing Dubai:
Dubai International (DXB)
- Status: Operating at reduced capacity after repairs
- Emirates: Limited flights to London, Mumbai, Singapore — book directly
- flydubai: Select routes operating — check website
- Tip: Book one-way tickets; availability changes hourly
Al Maktoum International (DWC)
- Status: Primary hub for charter and evacuation flights
- Charter Companies: VistaJet, NetJets, XO available
- Cost: $15,000-$50,000 per charter (shared options available)
- Destinations: Muscat, Mumbai, London, Singapore most common
Abu Dhabi (AUH) — Recommended
- Status: More flights available than Dubai
- Etihad: Operating fuller schedule
- Distance: 1.5 hours from Dubai by car
- Tip: Better availability for Europe and Asia routes
Charter Flight Contacts
- VistaJet: +971-4-214-9555
- NetJets: +971-4-299-6699
- XO (JetSmarter): +971-4-366-9965
- Fly Alliance: +971-4-453-9600
Option 3: Land Border Crossings
Driving out of UAE is a viable option if flights are unavailable:
🇴🇲 To Oman (Recommended)
- Hatta Border: Open 24/7 — busiest crossing, expect 2-4 hour waits
- Khatmat Milaha: Less crowded alternative
- Drive Time: Dubai to Muscat = 4-5 hours normally (add border time)
- Visa: Most nationalities get visa on arrival (check before traveling)
- From Muscat: Flights to India, UK, Europe more available
🇸🇦 To Saudi Arabia
- Al Ghuwaifat Border: Open but longer route
- Drive Time: Dubai to Riyadh = 10-12 hours
- Visa: Saudi tourist visa required (apply online)
- Tip: Only recommended if you have Saudi visa or GCC residency
Land Travel Tips
Fill tank before leaving (fuel stations may be crowded). Bring cash (AED and OMR/SAR). Download offline maps. Charge phones fully. Travel during daylight if possible. Keep passport accessible.
Before You Leave: Property & Business Checklist
For property owners and business operators:
Property Owners
- Document Condition: Take photos/videos of your property before leaving
- Inform Building Management: Leave emergency contact
- Insurance: Review war clause, file claim if damaged
- Tenants: Communicate with tenants about emergency protocols
- Utilities: DEWA — keep active for maintenance
Business Owners
- Remote Access: Ensure you can manage business remotely
- Power of Attorney: Consider granting POA to trusted person in UAE
- License Renewal: Check renewal dates — can be done online for most Free Zones
- Bank Access: Ensure online banking is set up
- Staff: Communicate with employees about remote work arrangements
Essential Documents to Carry
- Passport: Valid for 6+ months with UAE visa pages
- Emirates ID: Original card
- Visa Copy: Printed copy of residence visa
- Property Documents: Title deed copies if owner
- Business License: Trade license copy if business owner
- Insurance Cards: Health and travel insurance
- Bank Cards: Multiple cards from different banks
- Cash: USD/EUR/GBP — ATMs may have limits or queues
- Phone: International roaming activated
"We strongly urge American citizens to leave the UAE via available commercial options. For those who cannot depart, shelter in place and monitor official channels. Register with STEP for emergency communications and evacuation assistance."
— US State Department, March 5, 2026If You Choose to Stay
Some Golden Visa holders and residents are choosing to remain:
- Stock Supplies: 2 weeks of food, water, medications
- Know Shelters: Building basements, metro stations are designated shelters
- Emergency Kit: First aid, flashlight, radio, phone chargers
- Stay Connected: Register with embassy, follow UAE Civil Defense
- Insurance: Review coverage, document everything
Planning to Return?
Your Golden Visa remains valid during absence. Free Zone licenses can be renewed remotely. Property ownership is unaffected. Keep all documents safe for re-entry when situation stabilizes.
