Abu Dhabi, UAE — The Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi has issued an urgent advisory for all Zimbabwean nationals currently stranded in the United Arab Emirates due to the sudden suspension of international flights.

The advisory, dated March 4, 2026, comes as regional airspace closures have grounded thousands of travelers across the Middle East following an escalation in regional conflict.

What You Need to Do If you are a Zimbabwean visitor or tourist currently in the UAE and your travel plans have been disrupted, the Embassy requires you to take the following steps immediately:

Contact the Embassy: Send an urgent email to mmashaya@zimfa.gov.zw.

Provide Your Details: Your email must include your:

Full Name (as it appears on your passport).

Flight details (Airline, flight number, and original date of travel).

Contact phone number (local UAE number or roaming number).

Why Are Flights Suspended? The disruption is part of a wider aviation crisis in the Middle East. Major carriers, including Emirates, Etihad, and Air Arabia, have suspended most scheduled commercial flights.

Airspace Closures: Several countries in the region, including the UAE, have restricted or closed their airspace due to safety concerns linked to ongoing hostilities.

Limited Flights: While some limited "repatriation" or "exceptional" flights are being coordinated by authorities to help stranded people return home, these are very few and strictly controlled.

Duration: Current flight suspensions for major airlines like Emirates have been extended until at least March 7, 2026, with further updates expected as the situation evolves.

Important Safety Advice The Embassy and local authorities urge all stranded citizens to:

Stay Away from Airports: Do not travel to the airport unless you have received direct confirmation from your airline that a flight is operating for you.

Monitor Official Channels: Follow updates from the Zimbabwean Embassy and official UAE government news for the latest safety guidelines.

Ensure Communication: Keep your phone charged and ensure your contact details are updated with your airline so they can reach you regarding rebooking options.

Embassy Contact Information:

Address: 651 Mubarak Bin Mohammed St, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Telephone: +971 (2) 6222088.

Emails: zimabudhabi@zimfa.gov.zw | info@zimembassyuae.com