The UAE media briefing aims to guide residents and travelers both on the current situation, and provide accurate, helpful information. The briefing is live on youtube, and you can see it here as well.
UAE Media Briefing
Today, on 3 March, the UAE government delivered a live media briefing to share the latest updates on the current situation. The briefing provides clarified ongoing measures, and offers direct guidance to residents and travellers.
You can watch the official broadcast here:
Besides this UAE media briefing, it is very important for you to be aware of the correct information regarding what’s happening and support.
If you are in the UAE right now, whether you are a resident or a traveller stranded due to cancelled flights, you need clear, verified information from the government.
There is a wave of rumours and exaggerated claims circulating.
Below are the verified updates that actually matter for you right now.
Note – The below are not from the briefing. They are the verified announcements from UAE in the last 24 hours.
#1. Emergency Number
Call 999 for emergencies.
The Ministry of Interior has issued a clear advisory asking the public to contact the emergency hotline 999 strictly for emergency situations. The purpose is to ensure prompt and effective response for those who require immediate assistance.
Authorities have also urged residents to cooperate and act responsibly in the interest of public safety.
Right now, keeping emergency lines free is critical. If you need urgent police, medical or security help, 999 is active. Otherwise, avoid unnecessary calls so response teams can do their job without delay.
#2. Exceptional Flights Operational, Passengers Must Wait for Airline Confirmation
If you are waiting to fly out of the UAE, exceptional flights are now operating. But, you should not head to the airport until your airline contacts you with confirmed details.
1. Good news – Exceptional flights are now operating out of the UAE
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has announced the start of exceptional flights at UAE airports to help stranded passengers depart. These are special, limited services arranged outside the regular flight schedule to clear backlogs caused by airspace closures.
2. But… Do not rush to the airport
Affected travellers are being contacted directly by their airlines with updated flight timings and instructions.
GCAA has stressed that passengers must wait for official communication before proceeding to the airport to avoid congestion and operational delays. Coordination is ongoing between airlines and airport authorities to manage departures in an orderly manner.
#3. Abu Dhabi to Cover Extended Hotel Stays for Guests Affected by Travel Restrictions
If you are staying in Abu Dhabi and cannot leave because of travel restrictions, your extended hotel stay will be covered by the government.
The Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has officially directed hotel establishments to allow affected guests to remain until they are able to depart. The circular, issued to hotel general managers, confirms that the cost of the extended stay will be borne by DCT Abu Dhabi.
- Your stay can be extended
Guests who are unable to travel due to circumstances beyond their control are permitted to remain in their current hotels until they can leave the country. - The government will pay
DCT Abu Dhabi has stated that it will cover the cost of these extended stays. Hotels have been instructed to send related invoices directly to the department at [email protected].
If you are affected, speak to your hotel management. The directive is in place.
Important Clarification About Hotel Costs Coverage in Dubai & Other Emirates
Several media reports have stated that hotel stays and meals are being covered across the entire UAE, including Dubai, for stranded passengers.
As of now, the official written directive has been issued by Abu Dhabi.
There has been no formal public circular issued by Dubai authorities, or the other Emirates, confirming the same arrangement.
If you are stranded, check which emirate you are in and rely only on official announcements from that emirate’s authorities.
#4. Official Accounts for Verified Updates
If you are following developments and trying to separate fact from noise, here is where you should get your information.
The government has issued an advisory urging residents to rely only on official and trusted accounts for updates.
These are the official media channels you should follow:
- @admediaoffice — Abu Dhabi Media Office
- @dubaimediaoffice — Dubai Media Office
- @sharjahmedia — Sharjah Media Office
- @ajmanmedia — Ajman Media Office
- @rakmediaoffice — Ras Al Khaimah Media Office
- @fujairah_media_office — Fujairah Media Office
Here are some more official channels:
- @UAEmediaoffice– UAE Government Media Office
- @mofauae – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- @moiuae – Ministry of Interior
- @ncemauae – National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority
- @gcaauae – General Civil Aviation Authority
If you are receiving forwards, voice notes or unverified claims, pause. Check these accounts first. In moments like this, clarity protects you.
#5. Is It Safe to Go Outside?
If you are planning to go outside, check official updates first.
Authorities are actively monitoring the situation, and when defence systems respond to high intensity active missile threats, real-time instructions are issued through official government accounts listed above. These updates clearly state whether residents should remain indoors or stay in a safe location until further notice.
The official media office handles listed above are the primary source for these alerts. They post immediate guidance during active operations, including when it is necessary to stay where you are.
Do not rely on forwarded messages or unverified claims. Before you step out, check the latest update from the official accounts.
Tensions between the United States and Iran have cast a long shadow across the region. You can feel it in the headlines. You can see it in the conversations. And yes, Dubai has felt the ripple.
But here is what matters.
The UAE leadership has moved quickly to steady the ship. From covering hotel stays and meal expenses for stranded residents to activating support lines and emergency coordination, the government has stepped in with clarity and speed.
If you are in the UAE right now, you should know where to turn, what support is available, and how systems are working to protect you. Calm leadership in uncertain times sets the tone, and the message is clear: the country stands firm.
These are trying times. But UAE stands strong.
If you have any question, please feel free to ask in comments below. We will try our best to provide only the correct information and support.
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