ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — Uganda’s embassy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has advised its citizens to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to security directives issued by Emirati authorities, as regional tensions intensify following retaliatory Iranian strikes across parts of the Gulf.
In a statement, the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in Abu Dhabi confirmed that it remains fully operational and is working closely with local authorities to monitor the evolving security situation and ensure the protection of Ugandan nationals.
Uganda’s Ambassador to the UAE, Zaake W. Kibedi, said the safety of the growing Ugandan community in the Emirates remains the mission’s foremost priority.
“We are in close contact with the authorities and are carefully monitoring the evolving security situation. Our foremost priority is the safety and well-being of all Ugandans in the UAE,” Ambassador Kibedi said.
“We strongly urge our citizens to follow all official instructions, remain in secure locations where advised, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay informed through official channels,” he added.
The embassy has maintained open emergency communication lines and pledged to issue further updates as developments unfold.
Regional escalation
The advisory follows heightened tensions in the Gulf after Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes targeting military installations in the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The attacks came in response to coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iranian territory.
While Emirati authorities have not reported widespread damage to civilian infrastructure, precautionary airspace restrictions were implemented across parts of the region.
Several Gulf states temporarily closed or rerouted flight corridors as a security measure, affecting commercial aviation.
The situation marks one of the most significant direct escalations involving Gulf states in recent years, raising concerns about regional stability, energy markets and expatriate safety.
Growing Uganda–UAE economic ties
The security concerns emerge against the backdrop of deepening economic and diplomatic relations between Uganda and the UAE.
Foreign direct investment from the UAE into Uganda has grown substantially over the past six years, rising from approximately $300 million in 2018 to an estimated $3.5 billion in 2024. Emirati investments have expanded across energy, infrastructure, logistics, real estate and industrial development.
The UAE has also become Uganda’s leading export destination globally, with total bilateral trade reaching $2.85 billion as of September 2025.
The trade relationship is driven largely by gold exports, petroleum products and re-export trade flows through Dubai.
Expanding diaspora community
Economic expansion has been accompanied by rapid growth in Uganda’s diaspora population in the Emirates.
Official figures indicate that the number of Ugandans living and working in the UAE has increased from around 40,000 in 2018 to more than 160,000 in 2024.
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Many are employed in domestic services, hospitality, aviation support, construction and retail sectors, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, two cities that serve as major global aviation and commercial hubs.
The concentration of Ugandan workers in aviation and hospitality sectors makes the community particularly sensitive to disruptions caused by airspace restrictions or regional instability.
Aviation disruptions
In response to the evolving security situation, several airlines operating between East Africa and the Gulf have adjusted schedules.
Uganda Airlines, Kenya Airways and other regional airlines temporarily suspended their Dubai route pending further assessment, while Emirates and other regional carriers implemented precautionary flight rerouting measures.
The airspace restrictions have affected passenger travel, cargo logistics and business operations across the region.
Diplomatic position
Authorities in Kampala have echoed calls for restraint among the involved parties, urging dialogue and de-escalation. Ugandan officials have encouraged citizens abroad to rely on verified information channels and avoid circulating unconfirmed reports.
Ambassador Kibedi reiterated the embassy’s commitment to supporting the diaspora during the ongoing uncertainty.
“We stand with our community and remain committed to supporting them during this challenging period,” he said.
For now, the embassy continues to monitor developments closely, with regional tensions showing little sign of immediate resolution.
