The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) currently has no travel warning against visiting Dubai, meaning British holidaymakers can continue with trips as planned. This comes after regional hostilities led to a four-month "do not travel" advisory, lifted on June 18 following an agreement to end the conflict.
FCDO guidance on Dubai and the Middle East
Every year more than a million British tourists travel to the UAE for holidays in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In 2025, Dubai alone welcomed 1.3 million visitors from the UK.
The FCDO's advisory, current as of October 14, notes that the situation in the Middle East "remains unpredictable." It states: "Since July 8 there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in a number of locations across the region against US military and civilian infrastructure."
The advisory adds: "There is a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region. Before the ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions."
Travel disruptions and airport status
The FCDO warns that "British nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions." This follows the closure of Gulf airspace on February 28 after US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which caused thousands of flight cancellations and prompted the do-not-travel advisories.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is open and operating as usual. Emirates and FlyDubai are running international routes, although some regional flights have been cancelled. British Airways has suspended direct flights to Dubai but plans to resume service on November 3, 2026.
What to check before you travel
Since the FCDO has not issued specific advice against travelling to Dubai, travel insurance should remain valid. However, if the FCDO advises against travel, insurance may not cover you and consular support may not be available.
Before travelling, the FCDO recommends reading its advice on being affected by a crisis abroad, monitoring local and international media, and checking with airlines for the latest updates. Those with package holidays should confirm with their travel company that flights are running as scheduled.
