The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following an Iranian drone attack on Kuwait International Airport on Wednesday. The attack, which injured multiple people and caused flight suspensions, has heightened concerns for travellers in the region.
The FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to the UAE, citing “significant security risks” from regional escalation. It warns that Iran has publicly stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including businesses, facilities, and institutions. Travellers are urged to avoid areas near security or military facilities and US or Israeli-linked locations.
While Iranian strikes against civilian infrastructure have decreased, the FCDO notes that the risk of renewed attacks remains. Britons are advised to follow local authority instructions, monitor media, and sign up for travel alerts. In case of an attack, the FCDO recommends seeking shelter in a secure structure, limiting movements, and avoiding crowded venues.
Flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to the UK have resumed, but the FCDO suggests non-essential travellers consider departing if safe options are available. Emirates is offering complimentary date changes for flights booked from 2 April, and passengers are entitled to rebooking under air passengers’ rights rules.
The British embassies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai continue to operate normally. Travellers are reminded that posting material critical of the UAE government or related to incidents is illegal, following the arrest of a British man for filming missiles.
