Minister McEntee Urges Irish Citizens in Gulf to Shelter in Place as Conflict Disrupts Region

Irish citizens in the Gulf, particularly the UAE, are being urged to shelter in place and register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as a conflict in the region has forced the closure of airports, with some coming under attack.

In a statement issued today, 01 March 2026, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee confirmed that a large number of Irish citizens in the UAE have already registered on the government's Citizen Registration platform, with several hundred signing up yesterday alone.

The Minister strongly cautioned against any attempt to leave the region by alternative means.

Minister McEntee said:

"I am also aware of suggestions of consideration of land routes to neighbouring countries, such as Oman. However, I strongly urge citizens not to pursue anything other than a shelter in place strategy for now."

The shelter in place approach has been coordinated across all EU member states, with Minister McEntee describing the situation as "a unique consular situation" given the large number of citizens located in the UAE and the fact that local and regional airports are shut and, in some cases, under attack.

As of now, no evacuation routes have been recommended for Gulf countries.

In a further development this afternoon, Minister McEntee spoke by phone with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, regarding the ongoing conflict.

During the call, Minister McEntee expressed her deep concern about the outbreak of conflict and its impact on the UAE and partners in the Gulf. She thanked the Deputy Prime Minister for the support and information provided to the large Irish population in the UAE, and reiterated the Government's continued advice to shelter in place and follow local Government advice.

Speaking after the call, Minister McEntee said:

"I welcome the opportunity to engage with the Deputy Prime Minister during such a challenging time for his country. The UAE is an important and valued partner and many Irish people call the UAE home.

I expressed Ireland's condolences to the victims of attacks on the UAE over the last 36 hours.

In this uncertain time, the safety of Irish citizens in the UAE and wider region is my utmost priority and I deeply appreciate the efforts of the UAE Government to keep all residents safe and informed.

I continue to call on all sides to de-escalate. And I hope that other States in the region will continue to exercise restraint; a wider conflict will increase regional instability."

The Department confirmed it is maintaining close contact with airlines regarding citizens who were in transit when the conflict began, and continues to work closely with EU partners as the situation develops.

Irish citizens with queries or concerns can contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade consular team in Dublin at +353 1 408 2000. Due to a high volume of calls, citizens are also encouraged to register online.