Prime Minister Lawrence Wong Praises UAE Cooperation in Safeguarding Singaporean Nationals Amid Regional War

PM Lawrence Wong speaks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed to secure safety of Singaporeans, as repatriation flights begin from Muscat via Singapore Airlines.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 7, 2026, 4:49 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from AsiaOne

High Level Diplomacy in a Period of Regional Crisis

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong conducted a significant diplomatic outreach on Saturday, personally thanking United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the federation's role in securing Singaporean lives. In a statement released following the call, PM Wong emphasized that the UAE has been instrumental in providing logistical support and security for the hundreds of Singaporeans currently residing within the seven emirates. The two leaders engaged in a comprehensive assessment of the escalating military situation, with Wong expressing Singapore’s solidarity with the UAE people during what he characterized as a uniquely challenging and volatile period for the entire Gulf region.

Coordinated Security Efforts and Official Collaboration

According to the Prime Minister, officials from both Singapore and the UAE have established a "round the clock" coordination cell to manage the safety of foreign residents. This inter-governmental framework is focused on ensuring that Singaporeans remain protected from the secondary effects of the regional air war while facilitating the administrative requirements for those seeking immediate departure. Wong noted that this high level of cooperation is a testament to the "close friendship" and strategic trust between Singapore and the UAE, which has allowed for the rapid execution of safety protocols despite the disruption of traditional commercial travel and regional airspace.

The Strategic Pivot to Muscat for Repatriation

Due to the continued closure of major UAE airports following recent ballistic strikes, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has shifted its evacuation strategy to utilize Oman as a primary exit hub. Earlier on Friday, two groups of Singaporeans in Abu Dhabi and Dubai embarked on five hour bus journeys to Muscat, escorted by diplomatic staff from the Singapore Embassy and Consulate-General. These assisted overland transfers were necessary to bypass the grounding of commercial flights in the UAE. PM Wong specifically highlighted the professionalism of the UAE authorities in assisting these convoys through border checkpoints, enabling them to reach Muscat International Airport in time for the first government-chartered flight.