Wisma Putra: 29,000 Malaysians in Middle East, 8,500 in UAE

 

A woman looks at a tall plume of black smoke ascends following an explosion in the Fujairah industrial zone on March 3, 2026. Iran’s strikes on Gulf neighbours since February 28, following the US-Israeli attack, forced the UAE to shut its airspace, blindsiding travellers who thought they were headed to one of the region’s safest holiday destinations. AFP PIC

KUALA LUMPUR: The Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra) estimates some 29,000 Malaysians are currently in the Middle East, with 8,500 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Of those in the UAE, 5,900 have officially registered with Malaysian missions.

The ministry said its diplomatic missions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have been operating non-stop, including weekends, to assist Malaysians affected by airspace closures and flight disruptions.

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A "prioritisation framework" has been implemented to ensure urgent cases, such as critical medical needs, senior citizens, families with young children, and stranded students, receive immediate assistance.

Wisma Putra urged those who are safe to be patient while officers continue working to manage the evolving situation.

Assistance is provided to all Malaysians without discrimination, it added.

Malaysians in need of consular help are encouraged to contact the nearest Malaysian mission or the ministry's operations room in Putrajaya at +603-8887 4570 or dutyofficer@kln.gov.my. - NST