Is it safe to travel to Dubai and Abu Dhabi? Latest advice after alleged Iran missiles target UAE

Holidaymakers may again be feeling a sense of uncertainty over travel to the Middle East after another wave of strikes in the region.

The United Arab Emirates has imposed an indefinite trade embargo on Iran after claiming the country fired two ballistic missiles on Tuesday.

Despite the escalations, the UK’s Foreign Office (FCDO) has not changed its new advice for travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), published on 18 June, which removed the “all but essential travel” advisory.

The country, popular among tourists for its ultra-modern cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, was subject to travel advisories for months following the outbreak of war between Iran and the US.

On 18 June, the FCDO announced that this advisory was lifted, meaning that people can visit the UAE without having their travel insurance invalidated. This has not changed despite the recent escalation in the region.

Here’s the latest travel advice for the UAE, plus all the key questions and answers.

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Is it safe to travel to the UAE?

The FCDO no longer advises against travel to the UAE, but warns that “the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable”. This still stands as of Wednesday, 19 August.

What is the government's advice?

The FCDO is still displaying advice for travellers should any hostilities resume.

It says that British nationals should read its crisis abroad document, follow advice from local authorities and sign up to FCDO travel advice email alerts.

It also advises that if conflict resumes, to stay away from areas around security or military facilities, keep departure plans and travel documents up to date and stay indoors if they are advised to take shelter.

“Since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in a number of locations across the region against US military and civilian infrastructure. There is a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region.

“Before the ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions”, the FCDO said.

It added: “British nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions.”

Are flights going to Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

Commercial flights to the UK from the UAE have resumed; however, following alleged missiles yesterday, Dubai International and Abu Dhabi airport are both currently reporting delays affecting more than 300 and 130 flights respectively this morning.

Emirates and Air Arabia have cancelled services to Kuwait and Bahrain, while Etihad has extended cancellations of journeys from Abu Dhabi to Bahrain until 21 August.

Under air passengers’ rights rules, travellers are entitled to be flown to their destination as soon as possible on any airline that has seats available in the event their flight is cancelled.

Will it be easier to book a holiday to the UAE now?

As the FCDO no longer warns against non-essential travel to the UAE, your travel insurance is likely to be valid if you now decide to book a trip. Your travel insurance is at risk of being invalidated if you travel against advice from FCDO. However, it is important to check individual policies.

Package holidays are likely to start operating as usual. There are currently no grounds for travellers to expect a refund if they cancel, nor to claim the money back through travel insurance.

If FCDO advice changes to advising against all travel, you can cancel a package holiday without penalty for a full refund.

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