Andorra Assists 30 Nationals Stranded in UAE and Qatar Amid Israel-Iran Conflict

Andorra's Foreign Affairs Ministry is in constant contact with about 30 nationals and residents stranded in the UAE—mainly Dubai and Abu Dhabi—and Qatar due to airspace closures from the Israel-Iran conflict, now escalating into its fifth day. All are reported safe, mostly in hotels, with UAE authorities covering extra nights. Limited flights have resumed on carriers like Emirates and Flydubai, prioritising recent bookings and vulnerable groups, as the ministry coordinates with Spanish and French consulates for potential repatriation.

Minister Imma Tor confirmed the group includes six residents in Dubai and two in Israel, with daily WhatsApp communication urging them to stay put, follow local safety alerts, and await airline instructions. UAE air defences have intercepted around 200 ballistic missiles and over 500 drones aimed at US-linked sites, with debris from interceptions falling on buildings like the Fairmont hotel and areas near Burj Al Arab, prompting sheltering in underground spaces during barrages. Residents report a sense of security under the "dome-like" protection, with normal life continuing amid closed schools and financial markets.

Pau Augé, a Dubai-based fiscal lawyer among the six residents, described initial explosions from intercepts shaking buildings but praised calm authorities and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid's public appearances. He joined a ministry WhatsApp group organising moves to Abu Dhabi or Oman for flights, but plans to stay unless conditions worsen severely. An anonymous Andorran resident felt protected despite debris impacts, while another in Tel Aviv called routine sheltering "intense but familiar." Travel agent Rémy Rousseau, stuck in Mauritius after a Dubai layover, eyes direct flights to London or Paris. Agencies report cancellations to March 6, full refunds, and reroutes, with four clients pending Barcelona repatriation lists.

Tor prioritised vulnerable cases—families with minors, elderly, and those with medical needs—for Spanish flights this week, after Madrid's initial Abu Dhabi run carried no Andorrans. No broad evacuations are planned yet, but lists are submitted. Head of Government Xavier Espot noted no repatriation urgency, echoing calls for de-escalation. The ministry advises against non-essential travel outside Europe, alternative routes avoiding the region, broad insurance, registration at exteriors.ad, and the emergency line +376 324 292. Residents like Joan Comella push for Andorran diplomatic presence in the UAE amid growing migration.

UAE officials conveyed reassurance to Tor, with airspace reopening progressively. Andorra stresses diplomacy and international law amid ongoing strikes in Iran and Lebanon, warning against unverified social media reports.