Major consultancies PwC and Deloitte have evacuated their offices in Dubai’s business districts amid escalating tensions in the region due to the ongoing conflict in Iran.

The companies took the step after Iran warned it could strike economic and financial assets, Daily Sabah reported, citing AFP.

PwC has temporarily closed its offices across West Asia as a precautionary measure. The shutdown covers its locations in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kuwait.

Deloitte has issued similar instructions, telling its workforce to leave its premises in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) as perceived threats increase.

Sources told the French news agency that staff at two other companies based in the DIFC have also been evacuated as a precaution.

Banking group Citi has also asked its employees to leave its offices in the DIFC and Oud Metha.

“The evacuations at the heart of the Middle East’s financial hub come as the Gulf, but especially the UAE, has borne the brunt of Iran’s attacks in response to US-Israeli strikes,” the sources said.

Emergency responses have accelerated after Iran issued specific military warnings aimed at global businesses associated with the US and Israel.

With the security situation in the UAE becoming more uncertain, large financial and consulting companies are prioritising employee safety and scaling back their physical presence, according to the report.

At the same time, Iranian military officials have issued a warning advising civilians to remain at least 1km away from any financial infrastructure that might be at risk of attack.

In addition to military sites, civilian infrastructure has also been attacked during the conflict, including airports, ports, hotels and major landmarks.