Dubai consulate working to get stranded Malaysians home

2026-03-05 - 03:33

There are approximately 8,500 Malaysians in the UAE, including residents and those transiting or stranded due to the recent flight disruptions. (EPA Images pic) PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian consulate-general in Dubai, UAE, is working on flying stranded Malaysians back home amid the conflict in the Middle East which has left most flights grounded. The consulate-general said a limited number of flights had been allowed to operate, prioritising stranded travellers, and that it was coordinating with airlines to increase the frequency of flights to Malaysia. “All stranded passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest status of their flights,” it said in a statement. It added that according to local authorities, Dubai was safe and daily activities were proceeding as usual. It nonetheless urged Malaysians in Dubai and the UAE to continue exercising caution and to keep track of the latest announcements from the authorities and the consulate. The foreign ministry previously said there are about 29,000 Malaysians across the affected region in the Middle East. In UAE alone, there are approximately 8,500 Malaysians, including residents and those transiting or stranded due to the recent flight disruptions. Countries across the region shut their airspace after Israel-US strikes on Iran, which prompted Tehran to retaliate against Washington’s allies. Aviation data analysis firm Cirium said at least 12,903 flights were cancelled between Saturday and Monday, affecting more than one million passengers.