If you’re in the habit of handing over your keys at malls, hotels or restaurants in Abu Dhabi, it’s time to take a closer look at who’s parking your car. The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), part of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, has rolled out strict new rules for valet parking services, and unlicensed operators are firmly in the spotlight.

Valet Parking Crackdown: What’s New?
The ITC has officially mandated that all valet parking providers in Abu Dhabi must be licensed. Any business offering the service without proper authorisation or misusing an existing licence violates the law. And yes, enforcement is already underway.

Inspection teams are currently making the rounds across hotels, malls, and other venues to ensure compliance. No spot is being overlooked, and businesses without valid permits could face serious consequences.

Why This Matters to Drivers
The goal? A safer, more reliable valet experience for everyone. By tightening the rules, authorities are ensuring that your car is only handled by trained and accountable personnel.

And if something does go wrong,  think scratches, theft or any form of damage, being with a licensed valet service means your rights are protected. Using unlicensed services, on the other hand, could leave you without any legal recourse.

Attention: Hotels, Malls & Event Venues
The ITC has also urged all venues offering valet services, from luxury hotels to local entertainment hubs,  to review their permits and apply for the appropriate licence if they haven’t already. Those who fail to comply could face penalties or even legal action.

How You Can Help
If you notice a valet service operating without a visible licence or spot something suspicious, the ITC encourages the public to report it through their official channels. Public awareness is key to keeping Abu Dhabi’s services professional, safe, and regulated.

Despite heightened regional tensions on June 23, Emirates Airline resumed regular operations within hours, with only minimal disruptions reported across its global network.

The Dubai-based carrier activated its contingency and disruption plans following the latest regional developments, swiftly stabilising operations without any flight diversions and only a few route cancellations. Most affected flights were rerouted slightly to avoid restricted airspace, resulting in limited delays due to congestion.

In a statement, Emirates confirmed that its scheduled services resumed quickly and that the airline had maintained operations to the majority of destinations. Flights to Amman and Beirut, which were briefly suspended, resumed shortly after, demonstrating Emirates’ agility in responding to dynamic situations while ensuring traveller safety.

“The safety of our passengers and crew is always our top priority,” the airline said, noting it would never operate any flight unless it meets the strictest safety regulations. Emirates continues to coordinate closely with global aviation authorities and regularly evaluates the security landscape to reroute aircraft if needed.

Keeping Passengers Informed

The airline kept its customers up to date throughout the disruptions via its website, social media channels, and through dedicated reservation teams, who assisted travellers in adjusting itineraries as needed.

Looking Ahead to Summer Travel

As Emirates prepares for a surge in summer travel, the airline said it remains ready to adapt to any changing conditions. “With the UAE’s strong infrastructure and support systems, we are fully prepared to continue safe and smooth operations,” the airline added.

Travellers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport and stay informed through official Emirates communication channels.

Several UAE-based airlines have issued disruptions in their service and route changes as a precautionary response following heightened regional tensions after Iran attacks Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar

UAE residents planning to travel this week are advised to double-check their flight status before heading to the airport, as ongoing regional tensions have led to disruptions across several major carriers.

Following Iran’s attack on the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, airlines including Etihad, Emirates, flydubai, and Air Arabia have rerouted or cancelled select flights to ensure passenger safety amid restricted airspace and rising geopolitical risk.

What UAE Airlines Are Saying

Etihad Airways

• Cancelled flights on Tuesday (June 24) to/from Kuwait, Doha, and Dammam:
  • EY651/652 (Abu Dhabi – Kuwait)
  • EY663/664 (Abu Dhabi – Doha)
  • EY575/576 (Abu Dhabi – Dammam)
• Flights to Israel remain suspended until July 15.
• The airline confirmed it is using only approved airspace and warned that the situation is highly dynamic.
• Passengers transiting through Abu Dhabi to connect to cancelled destinations will not be accepted for travel.

Emirates Airline

• Has rerouted flights away from conflict zones.
• Temporary suspension of all flights to Iran and Iraq (Tehran, Baghdad, Basra) until June 30.
• Warns of potential delays due to longer routes and airspace congestion.

flydubai

• Flights on June 24 resumed, but delays remain possible.
• Temporary suspension of services to Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, and St. Petersburg (Russia) until June 30.
• Passengers heading to these destinations via Dubai will not be accepted from their point of origin.

Air Arabia

• Advises passengers of possible disruptions due to airspace closures.
• Suspended services to Jordan (until June 25) and Iran, Iraq, Russia, Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan (until June 30).

Dubai/Abu Dhabi Airport Updates

• Dubai Airports said operations across DXB and DWC have resumed, but some delays or cancellations may still occur. 
• Travellers heading to India are especially advised to confirm flight status in advance. “Due to regional airspace closures, flights from DXB and DWC – Al Maktoum International may be impacted. Please check with your airline for the latest updates before heading to the airport, especially for guests travelling to India,” Dubai Airports wrote on X.
• “
• Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi echoed similar advice: check with your airline before traveling.

Impact on International Flights

• flydubai, Etihad, Emirates, and Air Arabia have adjusted or halted flights across the region.
• IndiGo Airlines suspended flights to several Gulf cities including Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, Dammam, and Abu Dhabi until at least 10am Tuesday.
• Pakistan International Airlines has halted services to Doha, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Dubai.
• EgyptAir also cancelled Gulf-bound flights from Cairo.
• Air Canada extended its Toronto–Dubai flight suspension until August 4.

Additional Restrictions

• Pakistan has extended its airspace ban for Indian-operated aircraft, including military flights—until July 23, 2025.

Travel Tips for UAE Passengers

• Check flight status online or via airline apps before leaving home.
• Expect delays even if your flight is not cancelled—reroutings may extend travel time.
• If you are transiting through the UAE to a suspended destination, contact your airline immediately to explore alternative arrangements.