Last updated: March 21, 2026 — Hundreds of thousands of travelers and residents have been affected by the UAE airspace disruptions. If you are stuck in Abu Dhabi and unable to leave, here is what you need to know about your legal rights, visa status, financial protections, and the support available to you.
Emergency Visa Extensions and Overstay Protections
The UAE government has recognized that thousands of visitors and residents face visa expiry through no fault of their own. If your visa has expired or is about to expire while you are stranded, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) is processing emergency extensions on a case-by-case basis. Bring documentation proving your cancelled flights and inability to leave to any GDRFA center.
Additionally, the UAE has introduced a temporary relief measure allowing residents with expired visas to return to the country without incurring penalties, provided they enter before March 31, 2026. This is critical for expats who were abroad when the crisis began and whose residence visas lapsed in the meantime.
Key action: Keep all documentation of flight cancellations, airline communications, and attempts to rebook. Screenshot everything. This paper trail is your protection against overstay fines and immigration complications.
Your Rights as an Employee
UAE labor law provides important protections during emergencies. Your employer cannot terminate you for being unable to physically reach the office during a crisis. If you are on leave abroad and cannot return due to flight cancellations, your employer should grant you additional leave — paid if possible, unpaid at minimum — without penalizing your employment record.
If your employer has asked you to continue working remotely, you are entitled to your full salary. If operations have shut down entirely, many companies are placing staff on paid emergency leave. Document all communications with your employer in writing. If you face unfair treatment, the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has channels for filing complaints, even during the current disruptions.
Insurance Claims and Coverage
Most travel insurance policies cover trip interruption due to armed conflict, though the specifics vary significantly between providers. Contact your insurer immediately to open a claim. Key expenses that may be covered include: additional accommodation costs, rebooking fees, meals and incidentals during the stranded period, and emergency medical treatment.
If you have health insurance through your UAE employer, your coverage should remain active as long as your employment continues. However, if your insurer’s network hospitals are operating on reduced capacity, you may need to pay out-of-pocket and submit claims for reimbursement afterward. Keep all receipts.
Credit card travel benefits: Many premium credit cards include travel disruption coverage. Check your card benefits — you may be entitled to accommodation, meals, and rebooking assistance even without a separate travel insurance policy.
Embassy and Consular Assistance
Most embassies in Abu Dhabi have activated emergency protocols. While some facilities are closed, consular services continue remotely. Your embassy can help with: emergency travel documents if your passport is lost or expired, evacuation flight registration, welfare checks, connecting you with local emergency services, and facilitating emergency financial assistance from family members.
The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate General in Dubai are currently closed but continue to provide services remotely. U.S. citizens should complete the Crisis Intake Form and call +1-202-501-4444. UK nationals should monitor FCDO updates and register at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. Australian citizens should contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre at +61 2 6261 3305.
Financial Survival Tips
Being stranded is expensive. If money is getting tight, consider these options: contact your bank to request a temporary credit limit increase, use a money transfer service like Wise to receive funds from family abroad quickly and at better exchange rates than traditional banks, check if your embassy offers emergency loans to stranded citizens (the U.S. State Department’s Office of Overseas Citizens Services provides repatriation loans), and reach out to community groups — many expat communities have organized mutual aid funds.
Negotiate with your hotel or landlord. Many accommodation providers are offering extended-stay discounts for stranded travelers. If you are in a hotel, ask about weekly or monthly rates. If you are paying rent on an apartment you cannot access, document your situation and communicate with your landlord about potential rent deferrals.
Staying Connected and Informed
Join expat community groups on social media platforms for real-time information sharing. Follow official channels: the UAE National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) on X/Twitter, your embassy’s social media accounts, and local news outlets. Avoid spreading unverified information — misinformation travels fast during crises and can cause unnecessary panic.
Your situation is temporary, and multiple governments and organizations are working to resolve it. Stay informed, know your rights, and document everything. For real-time crisis resources and emergency contacts, visit our Crisis Hub.