The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), in coordination with the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), has facilitated the return of approximately 500 Golden Visa holders and residents to the UAE, as authorities continue to respond to ongoing regional disruptions affecting global travel.

The return operations were carried out through both air and land entry points after earlier travel plans were impacted by airspace closures and wider aviation challenges linked to regional developments.

The move underscores the UAE’s crisis response capabilities and its institutional coordination during periods of geopolitical uncertainty. Authorities said the effort reflects a broader national approach centred on safeguarding residents and ensuring continuity of mobility despite external disruptions.

MoFA and NCEMA stated that response mechanisms were activated early, with both entities implementing precautionary and proactive measures within their respective mandates. This included close coordination with relevant domestic authorities, diplomatic missions abroad, and continuous monitoring of evolving developments to assess risks and adjust response plans accordingly.

Officials noted that these measures have strengthened the country’s preparedness and enabled a timely and efficient response, ensuring the safety of UAE citizens and residents both within the country and overseas.

The successful return operations also highlight the UAE’s expanding support framework for long-term residents, particularly Golden Visa holders, who are increasingly being integrated into national emergency and consular systems.

In October 2025, MoFA introduced a dedicated suite of consular services for Golden Visa holders — described as a first-of-its-kind initiative globally — extending emergency and crisis response services beyond UAE nationals.

Under the programme, Golden Visa holders can access 24/7 emergency assistance (MoFA’s 24/7 call centre: +971 2 493 1133), including evacuation support, as well as services such as electronic return documents in cases of lost or damaged passports. A dedicated hotline has also been established to enable direct communication with the ministry, with support extended to registered dependents including spouses and children.

Read: UAE introduces new visa categories in sweeping 2025 reforms

Five-star hotels across the UAE are rolling out discounted staycation packages ahead of the Eid weekend, as operators increasingly turn to resident-focused promotions to maintain occupancy levels.

Industry reports show that luxury hotels in Dubai and across the UAE are pushing aggressive staycation offers, with some cutting prices by as much as 30 per cent or more to stimulate domestic tourism and offset weaker international travel demand, Business Insider stated.

For residents, this has created a rare opportunity to stay at some of the country’s most iconic luxury resorts at prices well below typical peak-season rates.

Below are five notable five-star staycation deals currently available across the UAE, highlighting how the current pricing compares with what guests normally pay.

Atlantis The Palm, Dubai

Atlantis The Palm remains one of Dubai’s most recognisable luxury resorts, offering beachfront rooms, Aquaventure Waterpark access and one of the world’s largest hotel aquariums.

For Eid, the resort is promoting UAE resident offers with up to 25 per cent off rooms and suites, alongside staycation perks such as resort experiences and dining benefits.

Average room rates at the resort typically range between $355 and $1,257 (around Dh1,300–Dh4,600) depending on the season and room type.

This makes the current staycation deals significantly cheaper than many normal booking periods.

Estimated Eid deal: from about Dhs1,100–Dhs1,500 per night (resident packages)
Typical pricing: Dhs2,200–Dhs3,500+ per night

Read: Atlantis Aquaventure, Miracle Garden roll out free tickets for UAE residents

Atlantis The Royal, Dubai

Atlantis The Royal — one of Dubai’s newest ultra-luxury resorts — is also offering exclusive UAE resident discounts of up to 20 per cent on rooms and suites.

The resort, located next to Atlantis The Palm on Palm Jumeirah, is known for its sky pools, celebrity chef restaurants and high-end suites.

Historically, even entry-level rooms at the property have started above Dh4,000 per night, making current promotions one of the few chances for residents to experience the hotel at reduced rates.

Estimated Eid deal: around 20 per cent off resident rates
Typical pricing: Dhs3,000-Dhs4,000+ per night

Sofitel Dubai The Palm

Sofitel Dubai The Palm is offering a “resident escape” staycation package that includes breakfast, potential room upgrades, spa discounts and late checkout.

Located on the East Crescent of Palm Jumeirah, the resort blends French-Polynesian design with beachfront access and lagoon pools.

With promotional rates starting from around Dhs549, the offer represents a substantial reduction compared with typical nightly rates for five-star Palm resorts.

Estimated Eid deal: resident packages from around Dhs549+
Typical pricing: Dhs1,000–Dhs1,800 per night

Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort, Abu Dhabi

For residents looking beyond Dubai, Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort on Abu Dhabi’s western coast is offering one of the lowest five-star Eid staycation rates in the country.

The resort’s Eid promotion includes an overnight stay for two adults and two children with breakfast, with younger children staying and dining free.

Located along an 800-metre private beach near Al Dhannah, the resort is popular for family staycations due to its pools, watersports and coastal setting.

Estimated Eid deal: from Dhs549 per night
Typical pricing: Dhs800–Dh1,200+

One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai

One&Only Royal Mirage — one of Dubai’s most established beachfront luxury resorts — is offering staycation packages with discounts of up to around 20 per cent, often bundled with benefits such as breakfast, resort credits and late checkout.

Located along Jumeirah Beach overlooking Palm Jumeirah, the resort spans more than 65 acres of landscaped gardens and private beachfront, and features multiple pools, wellness facilities and more than a dozen restaurants and bars.

Estimated Eid deal: around 20 per cent off staycation packages
Typical pricing: Dhs2,500+ per night

Resident families can once again easily register for free discount memberships with the UAE’s Fazaa Programme, after the website returned to normal operations this week following extremely high traffic over the weekend.

On Sunday evening, visitors attempting to access the registration page were placed in a virtual waiting line, with estimated wait times exceeding one hour and 30 minutes, according to a message displayed on the platform.

“We are experiencing a high volume of traffic and using a virtual queue to limit the amount of users on the website at the same time,” the notice on the site said.

“This will ensure you have the best possible online experience.”

Users were also warned not to close their browser, as the page would automatically refresh once it was their turn to access the registration system.

By Monday and Tuesday, access to the website appeared to have stabilised, with users able to navigate the application process more smoothly as traffic levels eased.

Free memberships announced

The surge in demand came after authorities confirmed that resident families across the UAE would be eligible to receive free Fazaa discount memberships as part of the Year of the Family 2026 initiative.

Read more: Free Fazaa cards for UAE families: How to apply for the discount membership

The membership will remain valid throughout 2026 and provides access to discounts across travel, dining, retail and entertainment outlets nationwide.

Families can register through the official Fazaa website by submitting their personal details and uploading Emirates ID copies for each family member.

To qualify, applicants must have at least one child, according to the programme guidelines.

Successful applicants receive a confirmation email and can activate their digital membership through the Fazaa mobile application.

Strong appetite for savings

The rush to apply highlights strong consumer demand for discount platforms across the UAE.

Last week, Dubai-based lifestyle platform The ENTERTAINER reported a similar surge in demand for its own community initiative.

Speaking to Gulf Business, founder and CEO Donna Benton said the campaign exceeded expectations.

Read more: ENTERTAINER CEO reveals 250,000 free memberships claimed across GCC in hours

“The campaign has been phenomenal and has gone above and beyond. Our aim was to encourage support for our world-class hospitality industry – and our wildest expectations have been surpassed,” Benton said.

According to the company, 250,000 memberships were claimed within four hours, with more than 20,000 offers redeemed in a single day.

Meanwhile, several Dubai attractions have also rolled out special promotions in recent days, including Atlantis Aquaventure and Dubai Miracle Garden, as venues look to attract residents with discounted or complimentary offers.

Read more: Atlantis Aquaventure, Miracle Garden roll out free tickets for UAE residents

Distance learning across UAE schools, nurseries and universities will continue nationwide for two weeks following the end of the spring break, authorities announced on Tuesday.

The decision forms part of measures introduced by the Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council to ensure the continuity of the education system while safeguarding students and the wider academic community.

Under the directive, the Ministry of Education confirmed that distance learning will continue at the start of the third academic term for two weeks after classes resume on March 23.

The measure applies to students as well as teaching and administrative staff across all nurseries, kindergartens, and public and private schools across the country.

Authorities said the situation will be reviewed on a weekly basis, with any updates communicated through official school channels.

“The situation will be reviewed on a weekly basis, and any updates will be communicated through the official channels approved by schools, in order to ensure the safety of students and educational staff,” officials said.

Private education institutions — including schools, nurseries and higher education providers — will also be allowed to submit requests to resume in-person learning if required.

Such requests will be reviewed in coordination with the relevant authorities, taking into account operational circumstances and educational requirements.

Universities also remain online

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research said distance learning will also continue at all higher education institutions nationwide for two weeks following the spring break.

Universities will have flexibility in determining the most appropriate arrangements for their academic and administrative staff to ensure the continuity of learning outcomes and the quality of education.

Officials said the situation will also be reviewed weekly at the higher education level.

Flexible work for parents

Separately, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources announced flexible remote work arrangements for federal government employees who are caregivers for children.

The policy applies to fathers or mothers working in federal ministries and entities whose roles meet the requirements for remote work.

The measure will apply during the period in which distance learning is implemented for students from kindergarten through Grade 8, as well as for children enrolled in nurseries.

Authorities said the measures form part of broader efforts to support families and ensure education continues smoothly during the current period.

The Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council said further updates will be communicated through official channels, adding that the measures reflect ongoing coordination across government entities to maintain a safe and flexible learning environment while sustaining the quality of education nationwide.

Air navigation across the UAE has returned to normal morning following the stabilisation of the regional situation and the lifting of temporary precautionary restrictions, according to the country’s aviation regulator.

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) confirmed that operations across the UAE’s airspace are now functioning as usual after authorities conducted a comprehensive assessment of operational and security conditions.

“The Authority confirmed that the decision was taken after a comprehensive assessment of operational and security conditions, and in coordination with relevant authorities, emphasising that continuous real-time monitoring remains in place to ensure the highest levels of safety of air navigation,” read a statement on Emirates News Agency (WAM).

Temporary measures affecting flight operations had been introduced earlier amid regional tensions, resulting in schedule disruptions and the diversion or cancellation of some services at UAE airports.

The GCAA thanked passengers and airlines for their cooperation during the period of disruption.

“The GCAA expressed its appreciation for the cooperation of passengers and airlines during the past period, reaffirming the full readiness of its technical and operational teams to respond to any potential developments,” WAM reported.

Authorities also urged the public to rely on official sources for updates related to aviation operations and travel.

The UAE is one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi serving as key transit points linking Europe, Asia and Africa.