The Foreign Office has recently updated its travel advice for the United Arab Emirates, urging against all non-essential travel as tensions escalate in the Middle East. This warning follows escalating military activity involving Iran, the US, and Israel that began over the weekend.
British nationals in the UAE have been instructed to "immediately shelter" due to missile attacks in the region. A five-star hotel in Dubai, the Fairmont on Palm Jumeirah, was reportedly set ablaze after debris from an intercepted Iranian missile hit it. Additionally, Dubai International Airport experienced damage from an Iranian missile, leading to the injury of four airport staff members.
In response to these developments, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has expanded its advisory to include Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Israel, and Palestine, heavily emphasizing the need for British nationals to stay indoors and follow directions from local authorities.
Airspace over much of the Middle East has been closed, leaving thousands of travelers, including British citizens, stranded. Dubai International Airport and other major airports in the region remain closed, with numerous flights canceled affecting hundreds of thousands of passengers.
The situation in Dubai marks a significant shift for a city known for its safety and stability, as missile debris has reached civilian areas, including hotels and the airport. The immediate vicinity of these attacks is rather close to Iran, which is about 90 miles away, complicating the travel landscape for the region.
As the situation evolves, travelers with upcoming plans to visit the UAE are encouraged to consult their airlines or travel agents for the latest updates, especially as flight cancellations and delays persist. If flyers need to travel under essential circumstances, they should reach out to their airlines for guidance.