For anyone who has friends or family in the Middle East, who needs to return to the French Riviera, the towns of Nice and Cannes have set up dedicated phone numbers to assist. Both mayors have also confirmed they are in touch with a young group of musicians from an association in Nice and Cannes who are currently stranded in Qatar.
Nice help line for relatives in the Middle East
Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi said: “Given the current international situation, I have requested the activation of a support unit for French citizens and residents of Nice currently stranded in the United Arab Emirates or Israel.”
If you are affected, or your relatives are affected, you may send a WhatsApp message to: 00 33 6 83 32 44 65.
Please specify:
• Last Name
• First Name
• City of Origin
• Context of the situation
Cannes support line
Cannes Mayor David Lisnard said he had been alerted by local residents that relatives are currently in some of the affected countries.
In order to gather all requests, simplify procedures, and inform families, a dedicated phone number has been set up for the Cannes Town Hall: +33 6 21 19 94 50.
“We will liaise with the authorities,” said Mr Lisnard.
Young Nice and Cannes musicians stranded in Qatar
The Cannes Mayor added that his office is in touch with the group of young musicians from the Riviera, who were returning from a trip to Cambodia. The group were meant to catch a connecting flight home from Doha when all flights were grounded.
Mr Lisnard said they have been “taken care of by their airline and are safe”.
Mr Estrosi confirmed his office in Nice, which is also assisting the group, is “fully mobilized alongside the relevant authorities to organize their return as soon as possible.”
Gathering in Nice for the Iranian people
Mr Estrosi said “Nice stands with the Iranian people who yearn for freedom”, and invited the public to join him today – Monday 2 March 2026 – at 18:30 for a gathering in front of City Hall in support of the Iranian people.
Cannes Mr Lisnard said: “Let us hope that the Iranian people will finally find freedom and that peace will ultimately prevail.”
Flights from Nice Disrupted to Dubai and Doha
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport has advised passengers to contact their airline before going to the airport, as flights to Dubai and Doha may be disrupted.
