The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is banning Iranian nationals from entering the country. Long-haul carriers Emirates and Etihad, along with low-cost airline FlyDubai, shared the update on their websites.

The order applies across the federation of seven sheikhdoms. Holders of 10-year Golden Visa residency permits, however, could still enter the federation of seven sheikhdoms.

Dubai has already shut down the city-state’s Iranian Hospital and Iranian Club.

This comes after a series of attacks launched by Iran on the country. Missile and drone strikes have increased sharply in recent days. On Tuesday, nearly 50 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones were launched at the Emirates.

The UAE Ministry of Defence said: “The UAE Air Defenses engaged 5 ballistic missiles and 35 drones. The UAE Air Defenses (April 1, 2026) engaged 5 ballistic missiles and 35 drones originating from Iran.

“Since the start of Iran’s brazen attacks, the UAE Air Defenses have engaged 438 ballistic missiles, 19 cruise missiles, and 2012 drones.” The ministry also said that the Iranian attacks so far “resulted in the martyrdom of two members of the armed forces while performing their national duty, in addition to the martyrdom of a Moroccan national civilian contractor with the armed forces, and the killing of nine civilians”.

Another official message from the ministry read: “The UAE Ministry of Defence affirms that it is on high alert and readiness to deal with any threats and to firmly counter all that targets the destabilization of the state, ensuring the preservation of its sovereignty, security, and stability, and protecting its interests and national capabilities.”

In the last few weeks, Iran has intensified its attacks on oil refineries and other energy infrastructures based in nearby Gulf countries. Kuwait International Airport was also target and hit by a drone attack today (April 1), and there are also reports of an oil tanker being struck off the coast of Qatar.

Donald Trump has said Tehran’s new leader has requested a ceasefire, but vowed to continue “blasting Iran back to the Stone Ages” until the critical Strait of Hormuz shipping lane is reopened.

The US president, who is due to make a televised address later on Wednesday, made the announcement in a post on his Truth Social platform. However, an Iran foreign ministry spokesman called Mr Trump’s comments “false and baseless”.

Mr Trump did not name the regime’s new leader who he said had called for a truce, but said he was “much less radicalised and far more intelligent than his predecessors”.