UAE

US–Israel–Iran War, Day 32: UAE Updates (Mar 31)

Regional tensions remain high on day 32 of the US–Israel war with Iran, with drone incidents near UAE waters, continued missile interceptions, and major government decisions affecting residents, travel, education, and the economy. Here are the key developments UAE residents should know today.

Kuwaiti tanker hit by drone off Dubai coast

A Kuwaiti oil tanker, Al Salmi, was struck by a drone while anchored off Dubai Port in the early hours of Tuesday. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation said the very large crude carrier (VLCC) was hit at around 12.10am on March 31, confirming that all 24 crew members were safe and no casualties were reported. Authorities continue to monitor the maritime situation closely following the incident.

Fire in abandoned Dubai house after debris fall, 4 injured

Authorities in Dubai responded quickly to a fire that broke out in an abandoned house in Al Badaa after debris from a recent air defence interception fell in the area. The Dubai Media Office said four people nearby suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene, while emergency teams moved swiftly to contain the fire and stop it from spreading to surrounding buildings.

Sharjah authorities handle drone incident

Sharjah officials confirmed that emergency teams responded to a drone incident targeting the administrative building of Thuraya Telecommunications Company in the emirate’s Central Region. The Sharjah Government Media Office said the drone was believed to have originated from Iran, adding that no injuries were recorded and response teams quickly secured the area.

Dubai approves Dh1b financial relief package

Dubai’s Executive Council has approved a Dh1 billion economic and social support package aimed at strengthening business resilience and supporting workforce stability during regional uncertainty. The initiatives include financial relief measures, improvements to GDP measurement methods, trade facilitation steps, and long-term social development plans designed to maintain economic stability.

UAE motorists await April fuel price announcement

Fuel prices for April are set to be announced, with motorists watching closely as global oil markets remain volatile due to regional tensions. Over the past year, UAE fuel prices declined steadily through 2025 before showing a slight increase in March 2026, suggesting a shift towards stabilisation amid fluctuating crude oil benchmarks.

Grace period for expired visa holders ends today

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) confirmed that the special grace period allowing residents with expired visas to return to the UAE ends on March 31. The measure was introduced to support residents stranded abroad due to airspace closures and travel disruptions linked to the regional conflict.

Distance learning extended until April 17

The Ministry of Education has extended distance learning for all schools, nurseries, and kindergartens across the UAE until April 17, 2026. Officials said the decision prioritises the safety and wellbeing of students and staff, noting that the situation will be reviewed weekly and the timeline could be adjusted depending on developments.

Indian and Pakistani schools begin academic year online

Several Indian and Pakistani schools in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and the northern emirates have started the 2026–27 academic year remotely, particularly for kindergarten students. The delayed start follows directives from education authorities made on Monday night.

Flying in April? Emirates guidelines for travellers

Emirates has reminded passengers to check their flights and travel plans following the partial reopening of regional airspace.

In its latest update, the airline provided guidance for passengers booked to travel between February 28 and April 30, 2026, following disruptions to its schedule.

UAE intercepts missiles and drones

The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that air defence systems intercepted 11 ballistic missiles and 27 drones on March 30 as part of ongoing security operations. Official figures show that since the start of the conflict, UAE defences have engaged 425 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,941 drones, underscoring continued vigilance across the country.

Trump escalates pressure on Iran

US President Donald Trump warned that the United States could target Iran’s electric plants and oil facilities if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and if no agreement is reached to end the war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there is no timeline for ending the conflict, while attacks continue across Iran, Lebanon, and Israel and maritime traffic in the Strait remains below normal levels.

Education

UAE resumes in-person classes Monday

Regular classes on campuses will resume in all nurseries, kindergartens, and public and private schools in the UAE on Monday, April 20, 2026, the UAE’s Ministry of Education announced on Wednesday.

“The resumption of in-person education for all children and students, as well as educational and administrative staff, in nurseries, kindergartens, and public and private schools, starting Monday, April 20, 2026,” the ministry said in a social media post

This follows schools’ completion of the necessary readiness and preparation plans, including facility preparedness, training of educational and administrative staff, and updating safety and security procedures, thereby reinforcing a safe and reassuring learning environment for students and their families, the ministry clarified.

Hybrid rotational model

Private schools will have the flexibility to implement the hybrid rotational model when needed, in accordance with approved regulations and under the supervision of local education authorities, in a manner that takes into account the readiness of each educational institution and ensures smooth implementation.

However, the ministry clarified that private schools implementing the hybrid rotational model must organise staff deployment in a manner that supports continuity of learning and does not require assigning the same teacher to deliver both in-person and remote instruction simultaneously.

This is to “preserve education quality and balancing professional workloads for teaching staff.”

Prepared for alternative modes

Educational institutions will remain prepared to transition to alternative learning modes when needed, ensuring continuity of education with flexibility and smooth implementation, the ministry added.

The ministry’s announcement ends days of confusion and rumours about how long the UAE will continue distance learning for students. It also clarifies the path forward for educational institutions to face any possible challenges in the context of regional uncertainties.

Wednesday’s announcement is also expected to give ample time for parents to prepare for sending children back to campuses.

Gulf News

UAE

UAE urges Iran to uphold ceasefire

The UAE is closely following the announcement by US President Donald Trump regarding the two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, and is seeking further clarification on the agreement’s provisions to ensure Iran’s full commitment to an immediate cessation of all hostilities in the region and the complete and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) underscored that the unprovoked Iranian attacks targeting infrastructure, energy facilities, and civilian sites over the past 40 days – which included 2,819 ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones – and the resulting loss of life and property damage, necessitate a firm position, including ensuring that Iran is held accountable and fully liable for damages and reparations.

The ministry emphasised the need for a comprehensive and sustained approach that addresses Iran’s full range of threats, including its nuclear capabilities, ballistic missiles, drones, military capabilities, and affiliated proxies and terrorist groups, while ending threats to freedom of navigation, as well as economic warfare and piracy in the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry expressed hope for achieving sustainable peace for all countries in the region.

The UAE reaffirmed that it is not a party to this war and had undertaken intensive diplomatic efforts to prevent its outbreak, including through bilateral channels and initiatives within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Furthermore, the UAE underscored that it has firmly safeguarded its sovereignty, security, and national achievements, and stressed the need for Iran’s full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), adopted on 11 March 2026, which condemned the Iranian attacks and demanded their immediate cessation.

UAE

Dubai allows fee deferrals for hotels, businesses

Dubai has approved a new set of economic measures allowing hotels and businesses to defer key fees for three months, as authorities move to ease short-term cost pressures across the economy.

The measures, announced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, take effect from April 1, 2026.

They form part of a previously announced Dh1 billion economic incentive package.

Fee deferrals

Hotels will be allowed to postpone paying 100% of sales fees on rooms and food and beverage, as well as the Tourism Dirham, for a period of three months.

The relief applies across all hospitality establishments, including hotels, hotel apartments and holiday homes, and is aimed at easing liquidity pressures in the sector.

Wider measures

The measures extend to companies across multiple sectors, with a three-month deferral introduced on a range of business-related fees.

These include:

Premium business names
Licence amendment fees
Newspaper announcement fees
Local service fees
Accommodation fees
Waste management fees
Service improvement fees

The deferrals apply to both new licences and renewals. Authorities said businesses will receive an update at the end of the three-month period.

Policy response

Officials framed the rollout as a continuation of Dubai’s responsive economic model.

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: “Dubai’s economic model has been built on agility, clarity and cooperation, and the accelerated introduction and implementation of these measures… is a clear demonstration of the decisive leadership our city and nation benefit from.”

He added that the approach reflects “continued engagement with industry” and the ability to “rapidly enact policies that can incentivise growth and solidify resilience.”

Industry feedback

Authorities said the measures were shaped through consultations with the tourism sector.

Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, said: “Over recent weeks, we have been closely engaging with stakeholders across the tourism sector as they navigate through unique challenges.”

He said the incentives reflect industry feedback and will support “growth and momentum for the sector.”

Business flexibility

Ahmad Khalifa AlQaizi AlFalasi, CEO of Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation (DBLC), part of DET, said the measures give companies room to manage near-term priorities.

“By giving businesses extra flexibility over the coming months, we are allowing them to focus on key priorities… to protect the long-term sustainability of their operations,” he said.

The measures sit within a wider economic support package announced earlier this week, which also includes extending customs data grace periods and streamlining the issuance and renewal of residency permits.