Missile exchanges across parts of West Asia have triggered anxiety among Indian residents in the Gulf while simultaneously stranding visiting families and disrupting travel plans, as airspace closures and security advisories ripple through the region.

Several residents said they spent a nervous night watching missiles being intercepted in the sky, even as authorities urged people to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary movement.

Sharon Verghese, an Indian resident in Doha, Qatar, said the government declared a national emergency and sent text alerts advising residents to stay home or remain in safe locations, stepping out only if absolutely necessary.

“We are indoors at home as advised by the government, and have stocked up on groceries in case of any emergency. Last night, we could see the missiles being intercepted in the sky. There is uncertainty, but communication from the government is keeping us informed and preventing panic,” Verghese said.

The Indian Embassy in Doha has also issued an advisory to Indian nationals to exercise caution, follow local news and avoid the vicinity of military installations.

According to Qatar’s Ministry of Interior, at least 16 people were injured due to missile shrapnel and debris in multiple locations. In the UAE, advisories have similarly asked residents to stay indoors to avoid injuries from falling debris, with one casualty reported so far.

Residents in Dubai and Abu Dhabi said that while offices, construction sites, markets and public transport services were functioning, there were visibly fewer people outdoors. Authorities have cautioned residents to stay away from windows, doors and open areas.

“There are a lot of panic calls from family back home in India,” said Rohit Dubey, a marketing professional based in Dubai. “Post midnight, we saw more interceptions and heard loud sounds. During the day, things look normal and offices are open, but advisories to remain indoors are being issued from time to time.”

The UAE government has also warned against spreading misinformation, including AI generated videos, saying penalties will be imposed for publishing false information.

The Indian Consulate in Dubai and the Embassy in Abu Dhabi said they continue to function normally and have issued toll-free helpline numbers for emergency queries. The consulate has also said it is assisting Indian nationals stranded due to flight cancellations following regional airspace disruptions.

Baramati MP Supriya Sule flagged the case of three passengers from Pune stranded in Dubai on social media, prompting a response from the consulate with helpline details.

Many Indian residents said they were taking precautionary measures, keeping passports, identification documents and essential items such as power banks and food supplies ready.

Meanwhile, several Indian families who had travelled to the Gulf on vacation have found themselves stranded as return flights were cancelled following airspace closures. Vinod Solanki, a Pune resident who travelled to Dubai on February 22 for a family holiday, is stuck with his wife, two children and mother after his return flight from Abu Dhabi on Saturday evening was cancelled.

“Public transport and food delivery are still operational, but the Dubai Mall has been closed following a drone strike near the Burj Khalifa,” Solanki said, adding that while there is no full blown panic, the situation has turned alarming.

“There were several missile attacks and interceptions last night. We kept receiving alerts and were advised to stay indoors and away from the balcony. The attacks continued until Sunday morning,” he said. The family is in touch with their travel agent and is trying to return to India at the earliest.

Dr Nikhil Asawa, a Pune based prosthodontist who arrived in Dubai on February 23 for a vacation, is also stranded after his Sunday return flight was grounded. “Though no civilian casualty has been reported so far today, the sounds of frequent attacks are clearly audible,” he said.

He and his wife have extended their stay at a hotel in Dubai and have urged the Ministry of External Affairs to explore alternative evacuation options. “We request the Indian Embassy to arrange other options, roadways or waterways, to bring us back to India, or at least move us out of the conflict zone,” Asawa said.

Travel agencies in Pune reported a spike in anxiety among passengers with upcoming travel plans through the Gulf, particularly those flying onward to Europe via Dubai. Santosh Gupta, owner of Shree Vinayak Holidays, said Dubai’s role as a major transit hub means cancellations are affecting not just Gulf bound travellers but also those headed to Switzerland, London and other European destinations.

“Those who need to travel urgently will now have to take direct flights, and costs have almost doubled, or postpone their plans entirely,” he said.

NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule also sought urgent intervention from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, sharing the names of 11 Pune residents currently stranded in Dubai and requesting assistance for their safe return.