Irish embassy in the UAE advises citizens to shelter and avoid unnecessary movement
Ellen O'Donoghue
The UAE Irish embassy has advised Irish citizens to shelter in place, avoid unnecessary movement and follow the advice of local authorities given the deterioration of the security situation in the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait.
The UAE is home to one of Ireland's largest diasporas per capita, with an estimated 14,000 Irish nationals residing in the country, many of whom live in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The Irish embassy in the United Arab Emirates said it is also aware that the UAE, Kuwaiti, and Qatari airspace has been temporarily closed.
“Citizens affected are advised to liaise directly with their airlines and follow the guidance provided,” it said.
“We will share any updates as more information becomes available. For Irish citizens affected and concerned family members, please contact the duty officer in Dublin at +353 (0)1 408 2000.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs on X said that there are significant flight disruptions across the Gulf & Middle East regions.
"Irish citizens with plans to travel to, or through, the regions, should contact their airline or travel agency immediately, and avoid non-essential travel.
"Our travel advice remains that Irish citizens should not undertake travel to Iran. We also advise against travel to Israel and Lebanon at this time."
On the Department of Foreign Affairs website, travel advice for Iran, Israel, Iraq, and Lebanon is now classed under "Do not travel".
"This is our highest level of warning. You should not travel to this country or territory. If you are already in this location, you should consider leaving if it is safe to do so. Our ability to provide consular assistance to Irish citizens in this location is extremely limited," the website says.
It also advises Irish citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the UAE.
"This is our second-highest level of warning. Countries or territories at this level have serious and potentially life-threatening risks. Our ability to provide consular assistance to Irish citizens in this location is extremely limited," the website says.
It is worth noting, however, that at present, there have been no strikes in Saudi Arabia, where it is estimated that over 2,000 Irish citizens live.
Previously, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence Helen McEntee said there are a small number of Irish citizens in Iran, most of whom have been resident in the country for many years.
“I fully understand the concerns of Irish citizens in the region, and the concerns of their families and friends in Ireland and around the world,” she added.
“Our embassies in the region are actively engaged to support Irish citizens who are affected.”
The Irish Defence Forces confirmed that Defence Forces personnel in missions across the Middle East, UNDOF, UNIFIL and UNTSO, are well and accounted for.
“We are continuing to monitor the situation across the region and our personnel remain committed to completing their mandated tasks,” it said on Saturday.
