Russians Flee the UAE Amid Shelling

Tourists Opt for Overland Route to Oman

Russians in the UAE are trying to leave the country due to the escalation of conflict in the region, reports Postnews. Air travel is limited, and safety on the streets is a growing concern, so many are choosing neighboring Oman, where Russians can stay without a visa and relatively safely wait out the tense period.

Situation in the Emirates

In Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, explosions and alarms have become more frequent, while Iranian drones attacked the port of Duqm in Oman. This has heightened anxiety among Russian tourists. Many found themselves in difficult situations due to closed airspace and canceled international flights.

Formally, there are no restrictions on movement in the UAE, but parks, beaches, and shopping malls are closed. Road traffic has decreased, and people are advised to remain indoors.

Mass Exodus to Oman

Russians have begun actively leaving the UAE, choosing neighboring Oman for temporary stays, where visa-free entry is allowed for up to 30 days. The situation in Oman is relatively stable, allowing tourists to wait out the most dangerous period and plan their onward journey home.

Private drivers and minivan owners are organizing so-called “rescue trips” from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates. The cost of such trips can reach $500 per person, including food and water. Tourists travel in groups of 10–11 people to reach the border safely.

Flight Cancellations Between Russia and the Middle East

The Russian Association of Tour Operators (ATOR) reports that as of the morning of March 1, 61 flights between Russia and Middle Eastern countries were canceled, with 75% of them to and from the UAE. Dubai airports have suspended operations indefinitely, and passengers were advised to stay home and follow airline updates.

Flights will not operate until March 3. Tourists receive notifications from airlines and tour operators recommending that they avoid airports. At the same time, work is underway to organize evacuation flights and possible transit through other countries, including cases of evacuation from Oman to Zanzibar.

Number of Russians in the UAE

About 50,000 Russian tourists are currently in the UAE, with around 20,000 scheduled to depart in the coming days. Travelers affected by flight cancellations have been accommodated in hotels. Some accommodation costs are covered by tour operators or airlines, while some hotels provide free stays. Tourists are supplied with three meals a day, and companies like Russian Express and Space Travel recommend remaining in hotels until official guidance is provided.

Conclusion

Analysts at International Investment note that the situation in the UAE remains tense. The Emirates have long been one of the most attractive destinations for Russian tourists, but now safety concerns and restrictions on movement have significantly complicated travel and leisure in the country. There is a mass exodus of tourists, who often have to seek alternative routes. Access to infrastructure is limited, making stays in the region risky and unpredictable.