US Embassy Abu Dhabi Closed Amid Regional Security Concerns

DUBAI – (Special Correspondent/Web Desk) – US Embassy UAE appointments cancelled from July 13 to July 15, 2026, as the US Embassy Abu Dhabi closed its doors along with the US Consulate in Dubai. The move comes due to wider security concerns in the region.

Officials confirmed that every consular appointment booked across these three days has been called off. People who already had appointments should not show up at either location during this time.

The US Mission said it will reach out directly to affected applicants. They will get new dates through the contact details they used while applying. There is no need to visit the embassy or consulate in person to ask for a new slot.

Anyone with an urgent passport issue or emergency situation can still get help. The mission has kept emergency support running through its digital and phone services, even though regular appointments are paused.

The alert was shared on July 13, 2026, through official embassy channels and social media pages. Both the Abu Dhabi and Dubai offices are following the same rules during this pause.

For emergencies, US citizens can reach the mission through the US Citizen Services Navigator. Staff will look into each case and send instructions by email. People can also call the State Department at +1 202 501 4444 from outside the US, or +1 888 407 4747 from the US and Canada.

The State Department is advising all US citizens in the Middle East to stay updated through their nearest embassy. Signing up for the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program can help people get alerts faster during situations like this.

Routine visa services in the UAE remain on hold for now. This includes tourist, business, study, work, and immigrant visa appointments. No date has been given for when normal service will restart.

People waiting on visa appointments should keep checking official embassy updates. It is also wise to hold on to payment receipts, appointment confirmations, and any application reference numbers during this period.

Businesses that handle staff travel to the US should double check visa documents before booking trips. Delays like this can affect travel plans, so it helps to stay informed early.

The State Department noted that appointment slots depend on staffing and workload at each location. New slots open up as capacity allows, but wait times are only estimates, not fixed promises.

People hoping for a faster appointment usually need to fill out the DS-160 form, pay the required fee, and book the next available slot. Officers then review each case based on local rules.

This pause is linked to an ordered departure policy at the mission. Non-emergency government staff have been moved out of the UAE for now, which has reduced the number of appointments the embassy can handle.

Even with fewer staff, emergency services are still active. Officers continue to review urgent cases through remote support and limited scheduling.

Anyone affected should watch official embassy and State Department pages for updates. New information about visa services and citizen support will be shared there first.