Due to rising tensions from the ongoing Iran conflict, officials in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have begun sending out urgent safety alerts to residents throughout the country. Over the past few days, many people have received emergency alerts on their cell phones from the UAE government regarding potential missiles threats and instructing them to quickly move to a safe location.

These alerts are sent to residents due to the recent developments related to the ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel; and while reports do indicate that the air superiority systems within the UAE have intercepted multiple missiles/drones, authorities have shared requests that everyone follow safety protocols carefully and provide only to government official sources of information.

Emergency Alert sent to phones in Dubai

Emergency alerts sent to cell phones by the Ministry of Interior in the UAE (UAE authorities) are warning residents of possible missile strikes.

Alerts are advising people to immediately find shelter from any possible missile strikes and remain indoors until further notice.

“Due to the current situation and a potential missile threat, seek immediate shelter in the closest secure building and steer away from windows, doors and open spaces, and wait for official instructions.”

The authorities published an advisory that was intended as a precaution and used to encourage people to take terrorist threats seriously, and to adhere to safety initiatives established by emergency services. 

Reports from the Gulf News state that the alerts were sent out over a broad area, as law enforcement agencies were following up on current security threat levels in the UAE.

UAE Urges Guests To Stay Indoors: Do not exit to… 

Also included with the emergency alerts, the Government of the UAE sent out a public advisory requesting all residents remain inside and limit their exposure to unnecessary risks.

In an official release, the authors requested all citizens not leave their homes to take videos or photos of the situation and to use social media during times of crisis to share with friends and followers.

The advisory states: 

“Alert for your safety, do not exit to film or record. Proceed immediately to a safe place and remain until the all-clear.”

Distant explosions should not be taken lightly. Officials recall many residents left their residences to take photos or record incidents that were hazardous to their safety and the safety of those who are responding to the emergency situation.

Authorities have also warned that failing to comply with declared safety measures could lead to legal implications! Yes, it is dead serious. 

Authorities ask motorists to continue on to their destination as planned, and once they arrive there, to seek shelter in a secure building. Officials explained that when a driver stops suddenly, or if too many cars pull onto the shoulder of the highway following an alert, it creates another hazard and could put a pause on the emergency response teams. And that’s not what anyone wants! 

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the UAE’s air defence systems were activated to address the threat posed by missiles and drones.

Officials stated that in the event of any escalation, the UAE successfully intercepted missiles and drones launched from Iran. 

Defensive systems remain activated by military authorities who will keep monitoring the current threat level as tensions across the MESA region increase.

Public advisories have been issued by the NCEMA (National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority) for civilians to stay calm and only use official forms of communication to receive updates.

It was noted by officials that if misinformation is received by citizens at the time of crisis or emergency, this could create panic, and impede the ability of the authorities to effectively respond to emergency situations.

Reports of blasts, and/or there have been explosions have been reported since escalating hostilities across the MESA region became more common.

Reports also indicate that there are explosions occurring in some areas within the city of Dubai and along with that there are also blasts reported nearby the Zayed International airport in Abu Dubai.

Some structural and commercial areas within the region have had incidents happening because of conflicts within the broader region; and include areas near the Dubai International Airport and within a number of hotels located on Palm Jumeirah.

SIGH! 

Military authorities in the U.A.E. report that Air Defence Systems have been activated due to incoming missile and drone presence and the Defence Systems have engaged with these threats to intercept and destroy before major damage can occur.

No confirmation has been made regarding large scale damage at this time and military authorities will continue to monitor for the foreseeable future, but as reported above, no major damage has occurred at this time.

Middle East Tensions Rise and How! 

Recently, the UAE began issuing emergency alerts as a result of an extraordinary increase in activity throughout multiple regions in the Middle East, which have been exacerbated by excessive global politics.

As the intensity of the situation reached sky-limit (quite literally), many nations in the Gulf began to implement enhanced security protocols and mobilise their available defence assets.

Officially, Gulf authorities have instructed residents to remain aware of any potential missile incidents and follow appropriate safety protocols.

In the UAE specifically, local government agencies have begun issuing emergency alerts and safety guidelines to ensure the general safety of the population while the situation continues to be monitored and evaluated.

Stay safe, Dubai. This too shall pass.