The UK's Foreign Office (FCDO) has maintained its travel advice for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), despite a recent wave of strikes in the region. Iran-backed Houthi rebels attacked several cities in Saudi Arabia, injuring 73 people and disrupting energy facilities, according to the Saudi-led coalition.
The FCDO's advice for the UAE was most recently updated on 18 June, when it removed its recommendation against "all but essential travel." This advisory had been in place for months following the outbreak of war between Iran and the US in February.
While the FCDO no longer advises against travel to the UAE, it cautions that "the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable." It also advises British nationals to read its crisis abroad document, follow local authority advice, and sign up for FCDO travel advice email alerts.
Travellers are also advised to stay away from security or military facilities if conflict resumes, keep travel documents updated, and stay indoors if advised to take shelter. The FCDO notes that since 8 July, there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran across the region against US military and civilian infrastructure, with a risk of further escalation.
As of Tuesday morning, Dubai International and Abu Dhabi airports are reporting delays affecting more than 290 and 130 flights, respectively. Commercial flights to the UK from the UAE have resumed, though some carriers have cancelled or suspended routes in the region.