Last updated: March 21, 2026 — The question every expat in Abu Dhabi is asking right now: should I stay or should I go? There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but there is a framework that can help you make the right decision for your situation. This guide breaks down the factors you should weigh.
When Evacuation Makes Sense
Leaving Abu Dhabi is the right call if several of these apply to you: your government has issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory (the U.S. State Department has), you have no essential reason to remain (no employment contract requiring your presence, no dependents who cannot travel), you have a viable route out (a confirmed flight, a seat on an evacuation charter, or the ability to drive to Muscat), you have somewhere safe to go and the financial means to support yourself temporarily, or you have medical needs that may not be met if the situation deteriorates further.
The strongest argument for leaving now rather than later is that evacuation routes may not remain open indefinitely. Airspace closures have been unpredictable — there have been brief windows of operation followed by shutdowns. The overland route through Oman is open now, but border congestion is increasing. If your gut says go, the logistics favor going sooner rather than later.
When Sheltering in Place Makes Sense
Staying in Abu Dhabi may be the better choice if: you have an active employment contract and your employer needs you present, you have dependents (especially young children or elderly family members) who would struggle with the stress of an uncertain evacuation journey, you have a medical condition that makes travel risky, you have pets that you cannot bring on evacuation flights and are not willing to leave behind, your housing situation is stable and well-stocked, or the evacuation routes available to you are riskier than staying (for example, if the only option involves driving through areas of active conflict).
Abu Dhabi itself has maintained basic infrastructure and services throughout the crisis. Supermarkets, hospitals, pharmacies, and utilities continue to operate. The UAE government and NCEMA have been providing regular guidance and the city has functioning civil defense systems.
A Decision Framework
Ask yourself these five questions and write down your answers honestly:
1. What is my embassy telling me? If your government has issued an explicit evacuation order (not just a travel advisory), that carries significant weight. Governments do not issue those lightly. The U.S. ordered non-emergency government employees to leave on March 3 — a strong signal about threat assessment.
2. What are my financial reserves? Evacuation is expensive — last-minute flights, temporary accommodation abroad, potential loss of income. If leaving would put you in serious financial hardship with no safety net, weigh that against the risk of staying. Conversely, if you have savings and the means to resettle temporarily, that removes a major barrier to leaving.
3. Who depends on me? If you have children, elderly relatives, or employees relying on you, their needs must factor into your decision. Sometimes that means evacuating together; sometimes it means staying because moving the group is too risky or logistically impossible.
4. What is my medical situation? If you require regular medical treatment, consider whether that care will remain available. Abu Dhabi hospitals are operating, but if the situation escalates, capacity could become strained. On the other hand, if you have a condition that makes the physical stress of evacuation dangerous, staying may be safer.
5. What does my gut tell me? In crisis situations, instinct matters. If you feel unsafe and have the means to leave, trust that feeling. If you feel stable, well-prepared, and confident in your ability to shelter effectively, that counts for something too.
Preparing for Either Scenario
Regardless of your decision, prepare for both possibilities. Pack an emergency go-bag with essentials (passport, cash, medications, chargers, change of clothes) so you can leave on short notice if the situation changes. Simultaneously, stock your home with at least two weeks of supplies — water (two liters per person per day), non-perishable food, a first aid kit, flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
Register with your embassy if you have not already. This is critical whether you stay or go — it ensures your government knows you are in-country and can contact you with evacuation opportunities or safety instructions. Keep your phone charged and have backup charging options. Identify your nearest designated shelter — check NCEMA updates for locations.
The Decision Is Not Permanent
Remember: choosing to stay today does not mean you cannot leave tomorrow. And choosing to leave does not mean you cannot return when the situation stabilizes. The UAE has already announced visa relief measures for residents who left and whose visas expired in the interim — you can return without penalties before March 31, 2026. Make the best decision you can with the information you have right now, and give yourself permission to reassess as things evolve.
Whatever you decide, stay informed and stay connected. Visit our Crisis Hub for live updates, and read our Evacuation Guide and Emergency Contacts for practical next steps.