If you are planning a trip to Abu Dhabi or anywhere in the UAE right now, the first thing you need is accurate, up-to-date information—not panic, and not blind optimism either.
This page is updated regularly. Here is exactly where things stand as of March 19, 2026.
What Triggered the UAE Travel Advisories?
On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran. Iran responded with retaliatory drone and missile attacks targeting Gulf states, including the UAE.
The immediate impact was severe — UAE airspace closed, flights were suspended, and thousands of tourists found themselves stranded overnight. Multiple governments around the world updated their travel advisories within hours.
Here is where each major government stands right now.
Current UAE Travel Advisories by Country—March 2026
🇺🇸 United States—Level 3: Reconsider Travel
The US State Department has issued a Level 3 advisory for the UAE — “Reconsider Travel.” On March 2, 2026, non-emergency US government employees and their families were ordered to leave the UAE.
Key points from the US advisory:
The Iranian government has publicly stated its intention to target locations in the UAE associated with the United States. Americans in the UAE are advised to avoid US diplomatic missions, Israeli-linked locations, and energy infrastructure. The FAA has also issued a Notice to Air Missions recommending caution for US carriers in the region.
Emergency contact for US citizens: +971-2-414-2200 (outside US) or 888-407-4747 (from US and Canada).
🇦🇺 Australia—Do Not Travel
Australia has issued its highest possible warning — “Do Not Travel” — for the UAE. The Australian government updated this advisory as recently as March 17, 2026, warning that the regional conflict is likely to escalate further.
Their advice to Australians currently in the UAE is direct: leave now while commercial flights are still available.
Iran has been targeting civilian infrastructure including hotels, roads, bridges, energy facilities, and airports. Australian citizens in the UAE can register with DFAT to receive direct updates.
Emergency consular assistance: +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas) or 1300 555 135 (within Australia).
🇨🇦 Canada—Exercise a High Degree of Caution
Canada advises travelers to exercise a high degree of caution in the UAE due to the volatile and fast-changing security situation across the Gulf region.
Some commercial flights resumed from March 5, 2026. Canada advises monitoring flight availability closely and leaving the UAE while commercial options remain available. Land border crossings to Oman are open but congested.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom—All But Essential Travel
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to the UAE. British nationals currently in the UAE are urged to keep departure plans under review and ensure travel documents are up to date.
What Is the Current Situation on the Ground?
Despite the serious advisories, here is what is actually happening in Abu Dhabi and Dubai as of mid-March 2026:
Flights
Commercial flights have partially resumed from Abu Dhabi and Dubai international airports. An increasing number of airlines are operating routes, though some flights continue to be cancelled with little notice. The US Embassy advises passengers not to travel to the airport unless they hold a confirmed ticket and their airline has advised them to proceed.
Emirates and Etihad are operating modified schedules. Etihad’s schedule was updated through March 16, with limited operations. Always check directly with your airline before heading to the airport.
Daily Life in the City
Hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions, and daily life continue to operate normally within Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The UAE is not a conflict zone in the traditional sense. The primary disruptions have been in air travel logistics, not internal safety within the UAE itself.
Tourist Visa Processing
UAE tourist visa processing continues through official channels. Most applications are processed within 24 to 48 hours when documents are complete and accurate.
Land Borders
Land borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia are open. Reports of congestion at border crossings are ongoing. Both Oman and Saudi Arabia continue to enforce their own visa requirements.
Important UAE Law—What Tourists Must Know
UAE authorities have specifically warned that publishing or sharing “rumors, false news, or news from unknown sources” on social media is a violation of UAE law and could result in prosecution.
Additionally, filming or sharing footage of drone and missile incidents is illegal in the UAE and can result in fines, prosecution, and jail time. Tourists must be aware of this.
UAE Travel Advisory 2026—Practical Tips for Travelers
Whether you are currently in the UAE or planning to visit, these steps will help keep you informed and safe:
Check your country’s official travel advisory daily — the situation is changing fast. Avoid US diplomatic facilities, Israeli-linked locations, and energy infrastructure as flagged in advisories. Book only refundable, flexible tickets. Do not travel to the airport without a confirmed booking. Keep your passport and travel documents with you at all times. Save emergency numbers in your phone: Police 999, Ambulance 998, Fire 997. Register with your country’s embassy as soon as you arrive. Enroll in the US STEP program if you are American — it allows the embassy to contact you in an emergency.
Is Desert Safari Abu Dhabi Still Operating?
Yes. Desert safari experiences in Abu Dhabi continue to operate. The desert zones where tours take place are located well outside urban centers, airports, and infrastructure targets highlighted in travel advisories.
Golden Dunes Desert Safari Abu Dhabi is fully operational, with enhanced safety briefings for all guests and free cancellation on all bookings. Guests who have joined recent tours describe the desert experience as a genuine escape from the news cycle — quiet, peaceful, and completely removed from the disruptions affecting the city.
If you are already in Abu Dhabi and looking for a safe, enjoyable activity, a desert safari remains one of the most sensible options available.
Where to Check Official UAE Travel Advisories
Always verify information through official government sources:
United States: travel.state.gov
Australia: smartraveller.gov.au
United Kingdom: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-arab-emirates
Canada: travel.gc.ca/destinations/united-arab-emirates
UAE Government: uaeinteract.com
Final Word
The UAE travel situation in March 2026 is serious but not static. Things are changing daily, and in many ways, the picture is improving — flights are resuming, daily life continues, and the UAE government is actively working to restore normalcy.
Stay informed. Stay flexible. And if you are already in Abu Dhabi — the golden desert is still open, and it is still beautiful.
Last updated: March 19, 2026 | Golden Dunes Desert Safari Abu Dhabi For desert safari bookings and live updates: WhatsApp +971506355158 Pick-up: Al Wahda Mall | Safeer Mall | Hotel & Residence pick-up available