Newsroom
As Iranian missile strikes rattled the UAE in early March, thousands of expatriates rushed to flee Dubai, but not everyone made it out responsibly. A quieter, heartbreaking crisis emerged: hundreds of pets were left behind, abandoned by owners desperate to escape.
Dogs and cats were found tied to lamp posts, left in empty apartments, or dropped at shelters already overflowing with animals. Rescue groups reported being inundated with pleas for help; one volunteer received 27 messages in a single day from owners asking her to take in their animals. Veterinarians said they were flooded with requests to euthanize pets whose owners could no longer care for them.
Local animal charities, including K9 Friends Dubai and War Paws, described the scene as devastating, highlighting the toll on creatures that had known only love and loyalty from their owners. The crisis has sparked sharp criticism toward influencers and wealthy expats who built personal brands around luxury Dubai living but abandoned the very pets that depended on them when danger arrived.
“This is one of the wealthiest cities on earth, yet the most vulnerable are the voiceless,” said one volunteer, reflecting the grim reality for animals caught in the fallout of geopolitical tension.
They spent years showing off their Dubai lifestyle. The moment it got dangerous, they abandoned the one thing that loved them unconditionally.
— dominic dyer (@domdyer70) March 9, 2026
After Iranian missile strikes hit the UAE in early March 2026, thousands of expats rushed to leave Dubai. But as flights filled, a… pic.twitter.com/hsTJhPie13
Meanwhile, some pet owners refuse to abandon their furry companions. The Greek Foreign Ministry announced it is organizing a special repatriation flight for Greek citizens stranded in Dubai, allowing them to bring their pets along.
The flight, set to carry around 50 passengers, comes after complaints that standard evacuation flights did not permit animals on board, leaving owners torn between safety and leaving their beloved pets behind. Olivia Sahinidou, stranded in Abu Dhabi, described the frustration of being denied boarding with her cats despite having all the required paperwork.
“This flight is a lifeline for us,” Sahinidou told animal advocacy website zoosos.gr. “It’s not just about getting home; it’s about taking our family with us.”
The ministry emphasized that the transport will comply with all safety and welfare regulations, ensuring animals are properly cared for during the journey. Citizens wishing to take part must register through the special platform for Greek nationals abroad, with details of the flight and procedures to be announced closer to departure.
The initiative has been welcomed by animal welfare groups, highlighting a rare positive turn amid the widespread abandonment crisis that has overwhelmed shelters in the UAE.
