The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for the United Arab Emirates, advising against all but essential travel due to ongoing regional tensions. This follows an Iranian drone attack on Kuwait International Airport that injured multiple people and caused flight disruptions.
The FCDO warns that the Iranian regime has publicly stated its intention to target locations associated with the United States and Israel, including organisations, businesses, facilities and institutions. It advises travellers to avoid areas around security or military facilities and US or Israeli-linked locations.
Although Iranian strikes against civilian infrastructure have decreased, the FCDO notes that the risk of renewed attacks remains. Travellers are urged to follow local authority instructions, monitor media, and sign up to travel advice email alerts. In the event of an attack, they should seek shelter in a secure building, preferably an interior stairwell or room with few external walls or windows.
British embassies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai continue to operate normally. However, the FCDO reminds travellers that it is illegal to post material critical of the UAE government or relating to incidents in the country, following the arrest of a British man for allegedly filming missiles.
Emirates airline is offering affected passengers rebooking options and one complimentary date change for flights booked from 2 April. The FCDO advises that if your presence in the UAE is not essential, you may wish to consider departing, but travel within or out of the country is at your own risk.
