As regional tensions continue to rise, with the US–Israel–Iran conflict now entering its tenth day, many UAE residents have become familiar with the emergency alerts that can sound on their phones. These alerts are designed to quickly inform the public about important safety updates and instructions. Staying safe indoors is easier to to do when you’re already at home/office, but it can get confusing to navigate if you’re driving around/need to be outdoors. Keep reading for your guide of what you should actually do when the alert is live.
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What Dubai Police Say You Should Do
According to Dubai Police, the most important thing to remember if you receive an emergency alert while driving is to stay calm. There’s no need to panic or make sudden movements on the road. Drivers are advised to continue driving carefully and safely rather than stopping abruptly or pulling over unnecessarily, which could create more risk for yourself and others around you. Keeping your focus on driving and heading towards a safe destination while maintaining road safety rules is key.
Hearing the sound of the alert might be startling, especially if you’re not expecting it – but the way things are going it’s best to keep it in the back of your mind any time you get in the car that a loud unexpected sound get go off at any time. This is also proves why you should not be holding/on your phone while driving.
If You Notice Military Activity
In some cases, drivers might notice military vehicles or activity nearby. Authorities have made it clear that if you come across anything like this, you should avoid filming or taking photos. Not only can this create unnecessary distractions while you’re driving, but sharing such content can also cause confusion or spread misinformation. The best thing you can do is continue driving calmly and stay focused on getting to a safe location.
Once You Reach Your Destination
When you arrive safely at your destination, authorities advise heading indoors straight away. Move to an interior space that is away from windows and doors and remain there until an official all-clear notification is issued. This simple step helps ensure you are in the safest possible place while authorities continue to monitor the situation. And be mindful to wait until you get the all-clear safety alert, before you step back outside and get on the road again.
Stay Informed Through Official Channels
Officials are continuing to remind residents to stay informed by following updates from official government channels. Such as:
- National Emergency & Crisis Authority (ncema.gov.ae)
- Emirates News Agency (WAM)
- The Official Platform of the UAE Government (U.ae)
- National Media Office (NMO)
- Abu Dhabi Media Office (ADMO)
- Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO)
It’s equally important to avoid sharing unverified information or rumours online, as this can quickly create unnecessary panic.
By staying calm, following official guidance, and relying on trusted sources for updates, residents can help ensure the safety of themselves and those around them.
