The Foreign Office has warned against all but essential travel to the UAE
by Sharron Livingston Jun 3, 2026 written by Sharron Livingston Jun 3, 2026
10 With the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and, in particular, the Iranian drone attack on Kuwait International Airport on Wednesday, holidaymakers are concerned about their trip.
There was a temporary ban on flights in March; however, flights to and from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to the UK have been resumed. The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) is advising against all but essential travel to the UAE as the regional escalation poses “significant security risks and has led to travel disruption”.
The FCDO says that the Iranian regime has “publicly stated its intention to target locations associated with the United States and Israel. This includes US or Israeli-linked organisations, businesses, facilities and institutions”. Therefore, their advice is to stay away from areas around security or military facilities, and US or Israeli-linked locations.
“Iranian strikes against civilian infrastructure across the region, such as ports, hotels, roads, bridges, energy facilities, oil production sites, water systems, and airports, have decreased. However, the risk of renewed strikes remains, and further attacks could occur at short notice.”
Britons should read the FCDO’s crisis abroad guidance and sign up to travel advice email alerts.
The FCDO is also advising that
“if local authorities advise you to take shelter, stay indoors or move to the nearest safe building immediately.
“The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure. Choose an interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible for additional protection.
“If you are away from your home or hotel, and an attack occurs or you receive an alert from the official UAE warning system, seek shelter in the closest building immediately.”
British embassies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai “continue to operate as normal”.
Are flights going to Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
Commercial flights to the UK from the UAE have resumed. The latest update from Emirates says “We continue to monitor the situation and are working to offer our customers even more flight options and connections.” They say that customers will be rebooked on the next available Emirates flight in the event of travel disruption. The airline assures those who booked flights from 2 April will also be offered “one complimentary date change, across all cabins”.
The FCDO says:
“If your presence in the UAE is not essential, you may wish to consider departing – if you judge you can access these options safely. Check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator, as well as the instructions from local authorities, and the status of any border crossings before you travel.
“If you are travelling by air, do not travel to the airport unless your airline has confirmed your reservation.”
The Foreign Office assert that travel “within or out of the UAE is at your own risk”.
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