Abu Dhabi, March 5 – The Indian Embassy in the UAE issued a fresh advisory on Thursday, urging Indian nationals in the UAE to remain vigilant, calm, and follow the safety guidelines issued by local authorities and official advisories issued from time to time.
The Embassy stated that the airspace and regular scheduled flight operations in the UAE remain temporarily suspended, considering the prevailing security situation. However, both Indian and UAE airlines have started limited non-scheduled flight operations to various destinations in India in coordination with the UAE authorities, subject to the operational and safety approvals of the relevant authorities. Stranded Indian nationals can avail these flights by contacting their respective airlines.
"In view of the prevailing situation in the United Arab Emirates and the region, all Indian Nationals currently in the UAE are advised to continue to remain vigilant, calm, adhere to the safety guidelines of the UAE Authorities and also follow official advisories issued from time to time," the advisory issued by the Indian Embassy in the UAE stated.
It mentioned that the Indian Embassy in UAE, Consulate in Dubai, and their outsourced passport, consular, and visa services continue to function normally. The Embassy also released helpline numbers for Indian nationals in the UAE in case they have any query or concern.
"For those stranded after February 28 and whose visas have expired, the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Authority (ICP) have announced a waiver of overstay fines for visitors (tourist/visit visas) and others unable to depart due to these exceptional circumstances," it added.
The advisory mentioned that the Indian government continues to attach the highest importance to the safety and well-being of Indians abroad and is monitoring developments at the highest level. The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Indian Consulate in Dubai remain in touch with the UAE authorities and community leaders to ensure the well-being of the Indian community in the UAE. The Embassy and the Consulate will continue to issue updates and advisories through its website and social media handles.
On Wednesday, the UAE's Ministry of Defence said that its air defence systems successfully intercepted three ballistic missiles and detected 129 drones, of which 121 were intercepted while eight fell within the country.
The ministry stated that since the start of the Iranian attack, 189 ballistic missiles launched towards the UAE have been detected, with 175 missiles destroyed, 13 falling into the sea and one missile landing within the territory of the state.
According to the statement released by the UAE's Ministry of Defence on X, 941 Iranian drones have been detected, of which 876 were intercepted, while 65 fell within the country.
Eight cruise missiles were also detected and destroyed.
