Dubai 2026: is it dangerous to fly now, what about flights and hotels — we answer the main questions

Dubai, the main icon of Russian luxury tourism, was at the center of the news agenda this weekend for a completely different reason than tourists are used to. The Iranian missile and drone attacks, the closed airport, and thousands of stranded Russians are, to put it mildly, frightening. But if you go to the social networks of those who are currently in Dubai, you see something completely different: people are having breakfast in restaurants, children are splashing in pools, someone is even sunbathing on the beach, ignoring official warnings.

Where is the truth? And most importantly, what should those who were planning a vacation or are already in the UAE do? Let’s deal with it in order, without panic, but with the facts.

What exactly happened in Dubai? A brief chronicle

On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched a large-scale military operation against Iran. In response, Tehran launched massive strikes against US military bases in the region, including facilities in the UAE.

On the night of March 1, residents of Dubai and Abu Dhabi heard powerful explosions as an air defense system intercepted missiles and drones. According to the UAE Ministry of Defense, most of the nearly 700 flying objects were intercepted in the first 24 hours. Some of the debris fell on the territory of the emirates, causing local fires.

Iran’s main targets in the UAE, according to Iranian media, are the CIA headquarters in one of Dubai’s high—rise buildings, the American Al-Dhafra airbase 30 km from Abu Dhabi and the port of Jebel Ali.

Civilian infrastructure was also hit, mostly by debris from downed missiles and drones. The Burj Al Arab Hotel was damaged (a fire on the first six floors), there was also a fire next to the Fairmont Palm, and part of the shopping center collapsed in Sharjah. The air defense forces shot down drones near the Burj Khalifa and in the areas of Ain Dubai, Atlantis The Royal.

But the main problem for tourists was not in the rockets, but in the closed sky.

What about airports and flights in Dubai?

Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) airports are closed indefinitely. Aeroflot, Pobeda, Utair, S7 Airlines, Ural Airlines canceled flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi amid the extension of restrictions on the use of airspace until March 3.

What airlines offer:

• Reissue tickets for upcoming dates
• Forced refund of the full cost (even at non-refundable rates)
• Hotel accommodation for stranded passengers

For example, Ural Airlines accommodated 407 passengers in hotels in Dubai.

Important: Abu Dhabi Airport has opened check-in for the first flight to Moscow (Etihad Airways), which gives cautious hope for the resumption of flights in the near future

Is it safe in Dubai now?

The answer depends on what is considered security.

From the point of view of the military threat, the air defense system works effectively, shooting down the vast majority of targets. The authorities are sending emergency messages to the phones demanding to find shelter. Parking lots on the lower levels serve as shelters in hotels.

From the point of view of household safety, the city is quiet, there is no looting, the police are working, and medicine is available. People go to cafes, restaurants, shops.

The beaches of Dubai are officially closed — you can not swim in the sea. But in neighboring Sharjah, the beaches are operating normally.

What do tourists who are currently in Dubai tell us?

In a conversation with Fontanka, the stranded tourists shared their impressions of their experiences and reassured the public. Alexander was supposed to leave St. Petersburg on March 3.:

“At half past one at night, three big explosions arrived. Alarm messages were sent to all phones. The son jumped up, shaking. We collected the documents, sat in the bathroom. Then it calmed down. We went out for breakfast in the morning — people are sitting in cafes, some are even swimming. The hotel was extended at the same rate, but the prices were not raised.”

Maria from St. Petersburg:

“Someone continued to walk, someone is panicking. The pool is full of people, children are splashing, swinging in the hall. But it’s scary to live on the upper floors — there’s a lot of glass here.”

Photographer Sergey Savin, lives near the airport:

“Almost all of the almost seven hundred flying objects were shot down. In Dubai, life is not disrupted in any way. People continued to sunbathe, swim in pools, and go to cafes.”

What should I do if you are already in Dubai?

The main thing is not to panic and follow the official recommendations. The Russian Consulate General in Dubai has issued instructions:

Take reasonable precautions, refrain from traveling within the country unnecessarily

Trust only the official reports of the UAE and Russian authorities

Stay in touch with the tour operator

Download the “Assistant Abroad” app and register as a consular officer

Emergency contacts with some Consulates General of Russia located in the Middle East:

Iran: +98-21-6670-1161/63
UAE: +971-50-865-27-01
Israel: +972-54-962-2341, +972 3 522 67 44

There is also a 24-hour hotline of the Department of the Situational Crisis Center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation: +7-495-695-45-45

By hotels:

Dubai authorities instructed hotels not to evict guests in the current situation, to provide an opportunity to extend their stay and maintain the same conditions as they had at the time of the initial booking.

If the tourist cannot pay for the extension, the hotel is obliged to inform the authorities about it — the issue will be resolved.

By flights:

You need to check the flight status with the host company of the tour operator, contacts in the voucher or at the hotel counter. Do not leave for the airport until the flight status is officially confirmed.

What should I do if you were just planning a trip?

If the flight is cancelled by the airline, you are entitled to a 100% refund of the ticket price.

Hotels are more difficult: the conditions depend on the specific accommodation facility. Most UAE hotels that work with Russian tourists offer flexible conditions — you need to contact your tour operator.

Those who were planning a connecting flight in Dubai should clarify all questions with their airline in advance.

Summary: should I fly to Dubai or not?

The situation in Dubai on March 2, 2026:

Airports are closed — it is impossible to leave and arrive
The beaches are closed — swimming in the sea is prohibited
Risks remain — new attacks and falling debris are possible
Hotels are not being evicted — the authorities are monitoring the situation
The infrastructure is working — cafes, restaurants, shops, swimming pools

Those who were planning a vacation in the coming days should probably reschedule their trip or consider alternative destinations. For those who are already in Dubai, keep calm, listen to official alerts and do not act like heroes.

At Anyships, we are closely monitoring the situation and are ready to advise anyone who is planning a vacation in the UAE. If you have any questions about yacht rentals, the current situation, or alternative destinations, write to us and we will be happy to help you with your choice.