U.A.E. Cancels Iranians' Residency Visas, Shuts Business: Reports

The United Arab Emirates has in recent days canceled the residency visas of Iranian nationals who were outside the country, leaving some unable to return, according to accounts shared with Iran International by affected individuals.

Several Iranian residents said they discovered their visas had been revoked before attempting to re-enter the U.A.E., as per reports. In multiple cases, non-Iranian family members were still allowed to return while Iranian nationals were denied entry. Others reported that long-term residency permits, including 10-year “golden visas,” were canceled while they were abroad.

Earlier reports also indicated that tourist visas for Iranian nationals traveling to the U.A.E. had been suspended.

The reported measures come as relations between the U.A.E. and Iran deteriorate following a series of Iranian missile and drone strikes targeting the Gulf state. According to official figures cited in the reports, Iran has launched more than 425 ballistic and cruise missiles along with 1,900 drones toward the U.A.E., resulting in at least 10 deaths and 171 injuries.

In response, U.A.E. authorities have suspended operations of several Iran-linked institutions, including an Iranian hospital, Iranian schools, the Club of Iranians, the U.A.E. branch of Islamic Azad University, and the Imam Hossein mosque. Housing units tied to these institutions have been vacated, and staff whose residency permits were linked to them have also reportedly had their visas canceled.

At least five Iranian schools in the U.A.E. have been closed, with student records returned to families.

Individuals affected by the visa cancellations are reportedly being repatriated to Iran through Afghanistan, with transfers to Herat followed by land crossings.

U.A.E. authorities have also instructed Iran’s consulate in Dubai to reduce its staff and continue operating with minimal personnel, as per reports.

As of the time of reporting, Emirati authorities have not issued an official statement on the visa cancellations.

Senior U.A.E. officials have taken direct positions in recent weeks. Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan described Iran as “terrorist,” stating the U.A.E. would not submit to “terrorist blackmail,” while President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan referred to Iran as an “enemy.”

Separately, authorities in the U.A.E. have detained over 100 individuals, including foreign nationals, in a crackdown on those accused of filming attack sites or spreading what officials described as misleading or AI-generated content online. Some suspects have also been accused of links to networks monitoring infrastructure on behalf of Iran.

Reports also indicate that authorities are examining potential measures targeting Iranian assets held in the U.A.E. as part of the broader response to the attacks.