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“Everyone is sharing information left and right. You can even see rocket explosions outside from time to time as they are intercepted in the air, and you can hear the noise. No one knows what to do,” said a resident, whose friends recently arrived for a visit and are now considering alternative travel routes out of the country.
Latvia’s national airline, airBaltic, is similarly affected, with flights to and from Dubai temporarily suspended until March 2, 2026, the airline stated.
Other Gulf states, including Qatar and Bahrain, have also been impacted by attacks originating from Iran, potentially damaging their image as secure havens in an unstable region.
The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain, which host U.S. Military bases, were targeted in retaliation for U.S. And Israeli strikes that killed a senior Iranian leader, Ayatollah Ali Hamenei, according to early reports. The attacks underscore escalating tensions in the Middle East and raise concerns about the safety of international travel in the region.
Dubai is experiencing a sense of uncertainty following recent attacks, as residents report witnessing intercepted rockets and hearing explosions. The situation has prompted flight cancellations, including those operated by airBaltic, and is impacting the broader perception of stability in the Gulf region. A resident in Dubai described a widespread feeling of confusion, stating, “Everyone is sharing information left and right. You can even see rocket explosions outside from time to time as they are intercepted in the air, and you can hear the noise. No one knows what to do.” The resident also noted that friends who recently arrived for a visit are now exploring alternative routes to depart the country, potentially traveling by car to find onward flights. airBaltic announced the suspension of flights to and from Dubai, effective until March 2, 2026. The airline cited safety concerns as the reason for the temporary halt in service. The unrest extends beyond the UAE, with Qatar and Bahrain also reportedly affected by attacks from Iran. These incidents could challenge the image of these nations as secure destinations in a volatile part of the world. The UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain all host U.S. Military installations and were reportedly targeted in response to joint U.S.-Israeli strikes that resulted in the death of Ayatollah Ali Hamenei. The development underscores growing regional tensions and could influence future diplomatic talks.
