The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for the United Arab Emirates, advising against all but essential travel due to heightened regional tensions following a drone attack on Kuwait International Airport. The attack, attributed to Iran, injured multiple people and caused flight suspensions and diversions.
The FCDO warns that the Iranian regime has publicly stated its intention to target locations associated with the United States and Israel, including businesses, facilities, and institutions. It advises travellers 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 and could occur at short notice. Travellers are urged to follow local authorities' instructions, monitor local and international media, and sign up for travel advice email alerts.
In the event of an attack, the FCDO advises seeking shelter in a secure building, preferably an interior stairwell or room with few external walls or windows, to protect against falling debris from intercepts. It also recommends limiting movements to essential journeys, travelling during daylight hours, and keeping mobile phones charged.
British embassies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai continue to operate normally. Travellers are reminded that it is illegal to post material critical of the UAE government or related to incidents in the country online. Airlines such as Emirates are offering rebooking options for affected passengers.
