The emergency alert from the UAE's Ministry of Interior. EXPAT MEDIA

When emergency alerts go off on your phone during a missile threat, authorities say there is only one correct response: follow official safety advice. Recent incidents in the UAE have shown why this matters. According to the Abu Dhabi Media Office, falling debris from a successfully intercepted missile in Abu Dhabi’s Al Ajban area on Friday (April 3) left 12 people injured, including one with serious injuries. It is the highest number of injuries in one day since the start of Iranian attacks. Those hurt included six Nepali nationals and five Indian nationals with minor to moderate injuries, while one Nepali national suffered a major injury. The incident is one of several that highlight the real danger posed not by direct attacks, but by falling fragments after interceptions. Authorities say this is exactly why residents are repeatedly told to seek shelter immediately, and not step outside to watch, film, or investigate. In a recent alert, Dubai Police warned: “For your safety, do not approach, touch or photograph any debris or objects that have fallen as a result of successful air interceptions, and allow the relevant authorities to assess the situation.” The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority issued a similar reminder. “We call on the public to immediately stay clear of any locations where debris or suspicious objects have fallen, and to refrain from approaching or photographing them,” the authority said. Officials explained that even when missiles or drones are intercepted mid-air, large fragments, sharp shrapnel, or unexploded materials can still fall to the ground, posing serious risks. Despite repeated warnings, some residents have been seen stepping outside during alerts, filming the sky, or heading toward debris sites out of curiosity, actions that can put lives at risk and slow down emergency response. To help residents respond properly, the Government of Dubai Media Office has released a multilingual video safety guide designed to promote calm and safe behaviour during emergencies. The guide was developed in coordination with the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority and the Dubai Resilience Centre, and is available in seven languages: Arabic, English, Filipino, Mandarin, Russian, Hindi, and Urdu. Officials said the initiative aims to ensure that residents from different backgrounds clearly understand what to do during emergencies, especially amid heightened regional tensions. The video guide outlines practical steps for staying safe: • Indoors: Move away from windows, balconies, and open areas. Stay in interior spaces, avoid elevators, and keep distance from glass surfaces. Remain sheltered until an “all clear” notification is issued. • Outdoors: Move indoors immediately and take shelter in the nearest building. • If driving: Safely park your vehicle, exit, and seek a secure location. Authorities also stressed the importance of staying away from external walls, windows, and balconies, and relying only on official communication channels for updates. Since the start of the attacks, UAE air defence systems have intercepted hundreds of threats, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. Officials confirmed that at least 217 people have been injured so far, with cases ranging from minor to severe; a reminder that even indirect impact from debris can cause harm. Emergency alerts, sent by the Ministry of Interior, are location-based and designed to give residents immediate instructions during high-risk situations. “If you hear one, proceed immediately to a safe place and remain sheltered until an official announcement is made,” Dubai Police said. The Ministry of Interior added that residents should stay away from windows, doors, and open areas, and remain indoors until an “all clear” message is issued. “If you are in your car, continue to your intended destination and upon arrival, proceed to the nearest safe place,” the ministry said. Officials stressed that the alerts are not meant to cause panic, but to protect lives. “It’s nothing to be afraid of, it is just to tell you to be careful and stay alert,” a Dubai Police officer told Expat Media. Authorities continue to emphasise preparedness, clear communication, and public awareness as key elements of safety, urging residents to remain calm, follow official instructions, and avoid relying on unverified information. PIA/CAM/Expat Media
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