Dubai was directly struck by Iranian missile debris, forcing the world’s busiest airport into a three-day shutdown and closing major attractions across the city. Here is everything residents and visitors need to know about what is shut, what is running, and how to stay safe right now.
Background
On 28 February 2026, joint US-Israel strikes on Iran triggered a wave of Iranian retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the Gulf. Dubai was directly impacted — debris from intercepted Iranian strikes fell near the Palm Jumeirah area, causing a fire and injuring four people. Dubai International Airport (DXB), the world’s busiest international airport, was shut down entirely for approximately 48 hours. The Dubai government implemented sweeping precautionary closures across major attractions, advised residents to stay indoors, and shifted schools and businesses to remote operations.
This guide summarises the current status of Dubai’s key attractions, transport links, and essential services as of 4 March 2026.
This article will be updated as new official information becomes available. Residents and visitors are urged to verify all information through official channels before making travel or event decisions.
Quick Status Overview
| Location / Activity | Status | Details |
| Dubai Int’l Airport (DXB) | LIMITED | Limited flights resuming from 2 March evening; do NOT go without confirmed airline notification |
| Al Maktoum Airport (DWC) | LIMITED | Limited operations resumed from 2 March; confirm with airline before travelling |
| Emirates Airline | LIMITED | Scheduled flights suspended until midnight 4 March; limited repatriation flights operating |
| flydubai | LIMITED | Limited flights resumed from 2 March evening; check flydubai.com before travelling |
| Global Village | CLOSED | Closed since 1 March; no reopening date announced as of 3 March |
| Ain Dubai | CLOSED | Closed 1–4 March; check official website for latest reopening update |
| Dubai Parks & Resorts | CLOSED | LEGOLAND, Motiongate, Real Madrid World, Riverland — closed 1–4 March |
| Art galleries & museums | MOSTLY CLOSED | Jameel Arts Centre, Lawrie Shabibi, The Third Line and others closed; Art Dubai (April) still planned |
| Dubai Mall & malls | OPEN* | Major malls operating; individual outlets may vary — call ahead |
| Burj Khalifa | CHECK | No official closure announced; verify at burjkhalifa.ae before visiting |
| Schools & Universities | REMOTE | Distance learning extended nationwide to Friday 6 March |
| DIFC offices | REMOTE | Remote working in effect 2–4 March; client services continue |
| Private sector workplaces | REMOTE | MOHRE remote-work advisory in effect; essential roles may continue on-site |
| Hospitals & clinics | OPEN | All healthcare services fully operational |
| Supermarkets & pharmacies | OPEN | Essential retail operating normally |
| Dubai Metro & RTA buses | OPEN | Public transport operating; check RTA app for any service changes |
* Malls: Core retail is open but individual attractions inside (ice rinks, cinemas, VR parks) may have adjusted hours. Verify on site.
What Is Closed in Dubai
Dubai International Airport — Severely Disrupted
DXB — normally the world’s busiest international airport, handling over 95 million passengers in 2025 — was shut entirely from 28 February following Iranian retaliatory strikes that damaged aviation infrastructure near the airport. Debris from intercepted missiles fell in areas including near the Burj Al Arab. A limited resumption of operations began on the evening of 2 March, but this is not a full reopening. Emirates has confirmed all scheduled commercial flights remain suspended until midnight on 4 March, with only repatriation and freight flights operating before then. Passengers will be contacted directly by their airline if rebooked — do not go to the airport without confirmation.
Global Village — Closed
The region’s largest multicultural outdoor entertainment destination has been closed since 1 March as a precautionary safety measure in line with national guidance. No reopening date has been confirmed. Visitors with existing tickets or bookings should monitor the official Global Village website and social media channels for updates.
Ain Dubai — Closed
The world’s largest observation wheel on Bluewaters Island has been shut since 1 March for safety reasons. It remained closed through 3–4 March. Guests with existing bookings are advised to check ain.dubai before visiting.
Dubai Parks & Resorts — Closed
The entertainment complex — home to LEGOLAND Dubai, Motiongate Dubai, Real Madrid World, and Riverland — has been closed since 1 March in line with official safety guidance, and remained shut through 3–4 March. Check dubaiparksandresorts.com for reopening updates.
Art Galleries & Cultural Spaces — Mostly Closed
A number of Dubai’s leading cultural institutions have closed their doors since the conflict began, with staff working remotely. Confirmed closures include the Jameel Arts Centre and commercial galleries Lawrie Shabibi and The Third Line. Art Dubai — the annual fair marking its 20th anniversary — is scheduled for 17–19 April and organisers have stated it is continuing as planned, while monitoring the situation closely.
Schools & Universities — Distance Learning
The Ministry of Education has extended remote learning for all public and private schools and universities across the UAE through Friday 6 March 2026. CBSE board examinations for Class 10 and 12 at Gulf centres have been postponed; students should monitor official CBSE channels for rescheduled dates.
What Is Still Running in Dubai
Malls & Indoor Retail
Dubai’s major shopping malls — including Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta, and City Centre Deira — have not announced closures of their core retail operations. Indoor malls are considered safer environments and have remained open through the crisis period. However, individual attractions within malls (such as ice rinks, VR parks, cinemas) may have adjusted hours or limited capacity. It is advisable to check with specific venues before visiting.
Dubai Metro & Public Transport
Dubai’s public transport network — including the Metro, buses, and water taxis — has continued to operate. Passengers should check the RTA app or website for any real-time service changes, particularly during peak security alert periods.
Hotels & Hospitality
Dubai’s major hotels and resorts have not announced closures of their core operations. The city’s hospitality sector continues to function, though some hotel events, outdoor entertainment, and rooftop venues may be scaled back. Guests should contact properties directly for the most current information.
Essential Services
- Hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies — fully operational
- Supermarkets and grocery stores — open as normal
- Petrol stations — operating normally
- Emergency services — fully active; air defence systems on high alert
- Banking and financial services — operational, with DIFC staff working remotely
Flights — Partial Resumption
Limited flight operations have resumed at DXB and DWC from the evening of 2 March. Emirates has begun operating a small number of repatriation flights, prioritising passengers with earlier bookings. flydubai is also operating limited services. This is a phased, airline-managed restart — not a return to normal schedules. Full normalisation will depend on regional airspace conditions and infrastructure assessments. Passengers should not go to the airport unless directly notified by their airline.
Safety Guidance for Dubai Residents & Visitors
- Follow only official sources: Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) and UAE NCEMA for all updates
- Do not share unverified videos, images, or rumours on social media
- If you hear loud sounds outdoors, move indoors immediately — these are air defence interceptions
- Avoid large outdoor gatherings until further notice
- Do not go to the airport unless your airline has directly confirmed your flight
- Check official attraction websites and social media before visiting any venue
- For flight refunds and rebooking: Emirates (emirates.com), flydubai (flydubai.com), or your travel agent
What to Watch For
The situation remains fluid. Key developments to monitor for Dubai:
- Full resumption of Emirates and flydubai scheduled flight operations post-4 March
- Reopening announcements from Global Village, Ain Dubai, and Dubai Parks & Resorts
- Return of in-person learning after 6 March
- Continued assessment of DXB infrastructure damage
- Status of Art Dubai (17–19 April) as the security situation evolves
- Any new directives from UAE NCEMA or the Dubai government
Official Sources & Contacts
- Dubai Media Office: @DXBMediaOffice on all platforms
- Dubai Airports (DXB/DWC): media.dubaiairports.ae
- Emirates rebooking: emirates.com/helpdesk
- flydubai flight status: flydubai.com
- UAE NCEMA: ncema.gov.ae
- Global Village: globalvillage.ae
- Ain Dubai: ain.dubai
- Dubai Parks & Resorts: dubaiparksandresorts.com
