International events in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have
been postponed, and private sector workers are being advised to work from home as
the Iranian war escalates.
Flights in and out of Dubai International and Al Maktoum
International airports in Dubai, and Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, have been
suspended until further notice following the first attacks on Iran by the US
and Israel on Saturday 28 February, although a limited schedule of departure flights began on 2 March.
Meanwhile, the ongoing threat of Iranian missiles and drones
over the UAE, which have already hit sites including Dubai International
Airport, the area outside the Fairmont The Palm and the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, led to the Ministry
of Human Resources and Emiratisation recommending the private sector implement
remote working until 3 March.
The war is already jeopardising Dubai’s international events
programme for 2026. The destination announced it had secured 504 business
events in 2025 for the next four years.
An estimated 13,000 people were due to attend the world’s
largest lecture event - The Megacampus Summit – at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai
this week, but on Sunday 1 March, CEO Gregory Avetov confirmed the event would
be postponed with the team ‘exploring new dates' for September.
In a post on Instagram, organisers said: “Due to the ongoing closure
of regional airspace and the resulting disruption to international flight
schedules, the Megacampus Summit (originally scheduled for 6-7 March) has been
postponed under force majeure. This decision has been made to ensure that our
13,000 global attendees can travel to the UAE and participate in the full
summit experience.”
Duncan O’Rourke, CEO, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division for Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific at Accor, said Fairmont The Palm remained fully operational following the fire close to its entrance, which injured four people.
"We can confirm that there have been no casualties or injuries among hotel guests or team members, and our hotel is fully operational," he said.
"Four individuals present in the parking area sustained injuries and were transferred to medical facilities, and our thoughts are with them and their families at this time.
"As the situation continues to evolve, we are closely monitoring developments and taking all necessary precautionary measures in coordination with the relevant authorities. We are grateful for their swift response and ongoing support. Hotel teams remain vigilant, with established safety and security protocols fully in place."
UFI, The Global Association of the
Exhibition Industry, whose Global Congress will take place in Bahrain in November, said its 'thoughts were with members, partners and industry
professionals across the region'.
“The safety and wellbeing of every individual; colleagues,
exhibitors, visitors, contractors and communities remain paramount," it said in a statement.
“We stand in solidarity with our members and the wider
business events community, and we express our sincere hope for stability and
swift de-escalation.”
