Saudi Arabia’s consulate in Dubai and the Northern Emirates has organised overland buses for Saudi nationals stranded by flight cancellations, a practical escalation of the response to continuing UAE-Saudi air disruption.
DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s consulate has arranged Saudi consulate buses to transport Saudi nationals stranded in the UAE back to Saudi Arabia after widespread flight cancellations disrupted travel between the two countries.
Saudi Arabia’s Consulate General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates announced the overland transport arrangements on October 11, 2026, offering an alternative for citizens who could not return home on their scheduled flights.
The initiative follows disruption to Saudi airport operations, particularly in Riyadh, where recent attacks on aviation infrastructure have forced airlines to suspend or cancel several services.
How can stranded Saudi citizens book the buses?
The consulate has confirmed that affected Saudi nationals can register and coordinate their return journey through its emergency contact number.
Saudi consulate emergency number: +971 50 452 2258
Citizens whose airlines have cancelled their flights should contact the consulate directly to obtain information about transport arrangements and registration requirements.
The announcement did not specify departure locations, bus schedules or the number of seats available. Travellers should therefore confirm these details with consular officials rather than make independent assumptions about departure arrangements.
The Saudi consulate buses provide an organised alternative for eligible citizens who face uncertainty over when regular commercial flights will resume.
Why are Saudi travellers stranded in the UAE?
Air travel between the UAE and Saudi Arabia has faced significant disruption following attacks affecting Saudi airports.
Emirates has cancelled selected services connecting Dubai with Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, while flydubai has extended some cancellations, including Riyadh services, through October 14.
The disruption has affected passengers travelling for business, tourism and family visits, leaving some Saudi nationals unable to complete their planned journeys.
Airlines continue to review schedules according to operational conditions and aviation safety requirements.
UAE residents offer help to stranded Saudi visitors
Alongside the consulate’s transport arrangements, Emirati residents have expressed solidarity with Saudi travellers who temporarily cannot return home.
Social media users have shared messages offering accommodation, transport and other practical assistance.
These gestures highlight the close social and family connections between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, particularly during unexpected travel disruptions.
The offers have also reassured affected visitors while officials coordinate transport arrangements.
Impact to expect
The Saudi consulate buses could help reduce the number of travellers stranded in the UAE and ease immediate pressure on airline rebooking services. Organised road transport may also provide families with greater certainty about returning home while flight operations remain disrupted. The initiative highlights the importance of consular assistance and UAE-Saudi cooperation during travel emergencies.
