Ghanaians in the UAE express desire to return home amid regional tensions

Some Ghanaian citizens residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have expressed their desire to return home following the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

One resident, Michael Arkoh, stated that many of them wish to be repatriated. He noted that while Ghanaian officials have asked them to fill out forms, the ambassador and his team have yet to meet with the community directly.

Arkoh explained that approximately 90 percent of Ghanaians living in the UAE are workers, while the rest are students and visitors.

Speaking on As It Is in Ghana on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM (Ghana) and 92.4FM (UK), he said workers who were previously asked to remain at home have since resumed their duties.

He added that a system has been developed to alert both UAE citizens and foreigners about possible strikes.

Michael Arkoh also noted that authorities in the UAE have responded swiftly to threats and have put measures in place to address them. He further indicated that security forces have intensified efforts to protect lives and property.

When asked specifically whether Ghanaians in the UAE are willing to return home, he confirmed that some have expressed readiness to do so.

He reiterated that although Ghanaian authorities have distributed forms for them to complete, a formal meeting with officials has not yet taken place.

The United Arab Emirates, including Dubai, has reportedly experienced a series of missile and drone attacks launched by Iran since the early hours of February 28, 2026.

The escalation forms part of a wider regional conflict that followed coordinated strikes on Iranian leadership and military infrastructure by the United States and Israel.

The attacks on Dubai reportedly involved waves of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and “Shahed-type” drones.

Although the UAE’s advanced air defence systems have intercepted most of the threats, debris and impacts have caused civilian casualties and damage to some notable landmarks.