At a 4 March government media briefing, the UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that its Patriot and Barak batteries downed 11 ballistic missiles and 123 drones launched from Iran earlier in the day. Since hostilities began on 28 February, the country has faced 186 missiles and 812 drones, with only one missile and 57 drones causing limited ground impact.
For travellers and companies needing to alter itineraries, extend stays, or secure new travel documents at short notice, VisaHQ’s online platform can streamline UAE visa applications and extensions, providing real-time status updates and courier options that minimise embassy visits. Full details are available at https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/
![UAE air defences intercept 11 missiles and 123 drones; safe corridors allow 48 flights per hour]()
To keep essential mobility moving, the General Civil Aviation Authority has opened internationally coordinated contingency corridors capable of handling 48 movements an hour. National carriers have already operated 60 limited-capacity evacuation flights and have slots for another 80 services over the next 48 hours, subject to real-time threat assessments.
The UAE government is funding hotel accommodation for tourists unable to depart and has pledged to absorb any medical costs arising from the attacks. Officials reiterated that the UAE has not participated in offensive operations and will maintain neutrality, but reserves ‘full and legitimate rights’ to self-defence.
For multinational firms with regional headquarters in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, the message is two-fold: physical security measures remain robust, and phased reopening of airspace is under way, but contingency routing and remote-working policies should stay in force until at least the end of the week. Employers should also track staff mental-health needs; the Department of Health has activated a 24-hour multilingual helpline (800-SAKINA) offering counselling to residents and visitors affected by the crisis.
For travellers and companies needing to alter itineraries, extend stays, or secure new travel documents at short notice, VisaHQ’s online platform can streamline UAE visa applications and extensions, providing real-time status updates and courier options that minimise embassy visits. Full details are available at https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/
To keep essential mobility moving, the General Civil Aviation Authority has opened internationally coordinated contingency corridors capable of handling 48 movements an hour. National carriers have already operated 60 limited-capacity evacuation flights and have slots for another 80 services over the next 48 hours, subject to real-time threat assessments.
The UAE government is funding hotel accommodation for tourists unable to depart and has pledged to absorb any medical costs arising from the attacks. Officials reiterated that the UAE has not participated in offensive operations and will maintain neutrality, but reserves ‘full and legitimate rights’ to self-defence.
For multinational firms with regional headquarters in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, the message is two-fold: physical security measures remain robust, and phased reopening of airspace is under way, but contingency routing and remote-working policies should stay in force until at least the end of the week. Employers should also track staff mental-health needs; the Department of Health has activated a 24-hour multilingual helpline (800-SAKINA) offering counselling to residents and visitors affected by the crisis.
