The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has dropped its advice against travelling to Dubai and other Gulf states following the signing of a peace accord between the US and Iran. Travel expert Simon Calder says this move will trigger aggressive marketing campaigns by major Gulf airlines.
Travel Insurance Now Valid
Speaking outside the FCDO, Simon Calder confirmed that travel insurance is 'once again valid' after the US and Iranian presidents signed an agreement to cease hostilities. The FCDO withdrew its guidance against travelling to several Gulf States, including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, though it warned that the 'situation remains unpredictable'.
Mr Calder stated: 'I'm at the Foreign Office which has just changed its advice for travellers going to the Gulf region, in particular Dubai, which last year was visited by 1.4 million British travellers. As from now, the no-go warning which prevailed for the whole of the UAE, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as to the countries of Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, has been lifted.'
Airlines to Ramp Up Marketing
The immediate effect, according to Mr Calder, will be a big marketing campaign by the giant airlines: Emirates of Dubai, Etihad of Abu Dhabi, and Qatar Airways based in Doha. 'They will be wanting to get people to both connect through their hubs, but also to take summer holidays. Be warned, it is extremely hot with average daily highs around 40°C,' he added.
Impact on Travel
Millions of visitors travel to Gulf states for holidays or use them as stopover points for journeys to Asia and Australia. The tourism sector was badly affected when the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran in late February. The FCDO ruling means holidaymakers can now return without putting their travel insurance at risk. However, flight services may not restart immediately. Virgin Atlantic halted flights until winter 2027, and British Airways will not restart flights to the UAE until October 2026. Emirates has maintained flight operations throughout the conflict.
Mr Calder concluded: 'But it means that anybody who's planning to travel perhaps to Asia or to Australia now will be able to travel with confidence through one of the Gulf hubs. In addition, I imagine that airfares will fall because the Asian carriers will not be able to command such a premium. Stand by for some really good holiday offers, but I personally won't be seeing you on the beach in Dubai until about November.'
