A secondary alert concluding UAE's emergency notification. EXPAT MEDIA

Emergency alerts sent to mobile phones across the UAE will now sound different depending on the time of day, according to the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority. Under the new system, the alert tone used during the day will remain the same between 9am and 10:30pm. This is the loud emergency sound followed by a standard message notification tone to indicate the end of the alert. From 10:30pm to 9am, however, alerts will use a regular message notification tone instead of the loud alarm for both the warning and the concluding notification. Officials said the change aims to reduce unnecessary disturbance to residents overnight while ensuring that alerts remain effective. Authorities stressed that the system will continue operating at full capacity to deliver urgent warnings whenever needed. Emergency alerts have been appearing on mobile phones across the UAE since Sunday (March 1), when the Ministry of Interior issued a nationwide alert at 12:30am warning of a potential missile threat. The message advised residents to “seek immediate shelter in the nearest secure building and stay away from windows, doors and open areas.” Additional alerts were sent on subsequent nights as regional tensions escalated. On Tuesday (March 3) at 2:34am, some residents in parts of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah again received a warning about a potential threat before a later message confirmed the situation was safe. Not everyone received the alerts, prompting questions among residents. People living in areas including Deira, Muhaisnah and Bur Dubai told Expat Media they received the notifications, while others in Al Barsha and International City said they did not. “We didn’t get the alert since yesterday and today. Only one time we got on that first day on Sunday,” resident Ann Woodruff said. Another resident, Donna Don, asked: “Why aren’t we all getting these?” According to Dubai Police, the alerts are location-based and are only sent to people in areas where authorities want residents and visitors to take extra caution. “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 reminded residents that the alerts are issued for public safety. “Emergency alerts are issued for your safety. If you hear one, proceed immediately to a safe place and remain sheltered until an official announcement is made,” according to Dubai Police. The Ministry of Interior said anyone who receives the alert should head to a secure location and stay there 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 added. Officials said the early warning system is designed to strengthen national preparedness and ensure residents receive timely instructions during emergencies. Residents are urged to stay calm and rely only on official sources for updates. PIA/ICA/Expat Media
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