Dutch nationals in Qatar and UAE urged to shelter as Iran strikes, flights suspended

Iran has conducted missile and drone attacks for three consecutive days in the Gulf region, causing loud explosions in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh. Dutch embassies in Qatar and the UAE have urged citizens to remain indoors, follow local authorities’ guidance, stay away from windows during alarms, and be cautious of falling debris from intercepted projectiles.

Both countries are working to reopen airports when security permits. Dutch nationals in Cyprus are also advised to remain alert after a British airbase there was hit by a drone overnight Sunday. Greece has deployed frigates and fighter jets to secure the island.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Berendsen said Monday that evacuating Dutch citizens is currently impossible due to closed airspace. “If you want to bring people home, you want to do that safely. At the moment, those options are not available, and we are looking at how quickly we can make that happen,” he said. Berendsen emphasized that repatriation flights remain a possibility. “We do not rule out any option, so we are preparing for every scenario,” he added, without specifying the measures under consideration.

Emergency response centers in the Netherlands reported a surge of calls over the weekend. SOS International received between 200 and 300 requests for help since Saturday, many from travelers in distress but not experiencing medical emergencies. Director Violette Hasselmeijer explained, “People feel in distress, so they call the emergency response center.” The center primarily advised travelers to contact their airlines or travel agencies, noting that violent conflicts are generally not covered by travel insurance.

Eurocross, another emergency response center, handled roughly 150 requests over the weekend and an additional 36 by Monday noon. Travelers sought guidance on accommodation costs and alternative flights. A Eurocross spokesperson noted, “The United Arab Emirates is a popular stopover and transfer point between the East and the Netherlands. Several airlines are currently not flying.” Eurocross launched a dedicated page with guidance for Dutch travelers and urged them to follow the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ instructions, remain in contact with their airline, and carry passports.

The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued code red travel warnings for Iran, Israel, Lebanon, the Palestinian Territories, and Bahrain, advising Dutch nationals to leave if it can be done safely. The Calamity Fund offers reimbursement for additional costs to package travelers stranded in the Middle East, including those with stopovers in the region.

The Ministry has also deployed the Rapid Consular Support Team (SCOT) to assist Dutch embassies in crisis situations. The first deployments are in Saudi Arabia and Oman to support Dutch nationals. Messages and updates have been sent to Dutch citizens via the Ministry’s Information Service to provide guidance on safety and next steps.

Dutch companies with operations in the Middle East have implemented safety measures for local employees. Boskalis, which has multiple offices and 330 staff in Abu Dhabi, has instructed local employees to work from home.

FrieslandCampina, employing about 100 people in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, said it is limiting travel and ensuring staff safety. ING, with 12 employees in Dubai, allows the local team to decide how to work safely. AkzoNobel, Damen, and Van Oord reported that their personnel remain safe, though the companies are closely monitoring the situation. Shell declined to comment.

Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte expressed support for the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, citing the Iranian regime as a threat to NATO countries and their allies. In a BBC interview, he said, “I am pleased that Iran’s capabilities are being reduced,” and noted the regime’s history of attacks over 45 years, including against the Iranian diaspora. Rutte added that the conflict could limit Iran’s military support to Russia and indirectly benefit Ukraine. He clarified that NATO was not involved in the strikes.