The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on March 7, warning against all but essential travel following a series of attacks linked to regional conflict. The Gulf region has seen heightened tensions over the past week, with missile and drone strikes affecting multiple countries, causing flight cancellations and leaving thousands of travellers stranded.
In Dubai, debris from intercepted aerial attacks has caused casualties and damage. On Saturday, a Pakistani driver was killed by falling debris in the Al Barsha area, while drone debris struck a residential tower in Dubai Marina, though no injuries were reported there. Earlier, debris hit Dubai airport and two five-star hotels, the Fairmont Hotel and the Burj Al Arab.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) now advises against all but essential travel to the UAE. It has added details on how British nationals can register for UK government repatriation flights. A charter commercial flight is being arranged from Dubai, scheduled to depart early next week, with passengers required to pay. British nationals, along with their spouse or partner and children under 18, can register their interest.
The FCDO urges travellers to stay away from security or military facilities, follow local authorities' instructions, and monitor media. It advises taking shelter indoors if advised, limiting movements to essential journeys, and avoiding crowded venues. Travellers are also told to keep their mobile phones charged and inform friends or family of their whereabouts.
Commercial options to leave the UAE are limited, including flights from the UAE and Oman. The FCDO recommends that those whose presence is not essential consider departing if they can do so safely. Travellers are reminded to check with their airline before going to the airport and to ensure travel documents are up to date.
