Thousands of Hungarians stranded in the UAE amid escalating Middle East tensions

Nearly two thousand Hungarians have requested consular protection in the Middle East amid escalating security tensions, while a region-wide airspace closure continues to make their return home uncertain.

According to a report by Economx, by Saturday evening more than 1,100 Hungarians staying in Dubai had registered for consular protection at the Embassy in Abu Dhabi. Based on Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó’s Sunday evening update, that number has since risen to 2,271.

Consular hotlines remain available around the clock, and Hungary’s diplomatic missions are continuously updating information on their social media platforms.

Thousands of Hungarians stranded in the Emirates

According to Szijjártó’s latest briefing, 2,271 Hungarians have registered for consular protection, while approximately 4,200 Hungarian citizens are currently in the United Arab Emirates. The minister said that virtually all airspace in the region is closed, civilian aviation has been halted, and the world’s largest airlines have suspended operations.

He added that the Emirates had been targeted by hundreds of missiles and drones, further worsening the security situation. Local authorities are urging those in the country to remain at their accommodation for the time being.

International media reports indicate that major carriers — including Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways — are suspending their Middle East services, while Lufthansa is also avoiding the region’s airspace.

According to official information from the United Arab Emirates, land border crossings towards Oman and Saudi Arabia remain open, but waiting times are extremely long. A decision has also been taken to cover accommodation costs for tourists stranded in the country.

Hungarian officials said the UAE foreign minister has assured Budapest that everything possible is being done to guarantee the safety of Hungarian nationals in the country.

EU reacts to Middle East escalation

In a statement released on Saturday, the European Union said it is “deeply concerned” about the developments involving Iran and remains in close contact with partners in the region. Brussels stressed the importance of safeguarding regional security and stability and warned against any further escalation, highlighting the need to ensure nuclear safety.

The EU noted that it has already imposed extensive sanctions on Iran’s regime and the Revolutionary Guard, and continues to prioritise a diplomatic solution to address Iran’s nuclear and ballistic programmes.

The bloc also confirmed that, in close coordination with member states, it will take all necessary steps to ensure EU citizens in the region — including Hungarians — can rely on full support. All parties were urged to exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians and fully respect international law.

We have reported in a separate article on how the Middle East conflict could drive up oil prices and what this may mean for Hungary.

Drone strike near Dubai airport

Tensions have been further heightened after a drone strike hit the vicinity of one of the terminals at Dubai International Airport. According to the Dubai Media Office, at least four people were injured in the incident, although authorities stressed that airport operations were not completely halted.

“The airspace is closed, and airports in both Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates have been targeted by attacks, including the Dubai terminal used by flights to and from Hungary,” the Hungarian foreign minister said.

With airspace still shut across much of the region, the timing of stranded passengers’ return — including Hungarian citizens — remains unclear. The UAE foreign minister has nevertheless assured his Hungarian counterpart that Hungarians in the region will be placed under the country’s protection.

Cover image: Freepik.com