Is it safe to visit Dubai? Latest UAE travel advice
Dubai, one of the seven emirates of the UAE, attracts more than a million British holidaymakers every year. However, following the escalation of tensions in the Middle East, some people may be concerned about the safety of travelling to Dubai for a winter sun holiday.
Here’s everything you need to know about travel to Dubai and the rest of the UAE, whether it is safe to visit, and your rights if you do decide to cancel your upcoming holiday.
How far is Dubai from the conflict zone?
While the United Arab Emirates is part of the Middle East, it is a considerable distance away from the military action in Israel and Lebanon. Dubai is around 1,320 miles away from the conflict zone on the Israel-Lebanon border, similar to the distance between London and Kyiv or New York City to Havana.
What is the Foreign Office (FCDO) advice?
There are no travel advisories against visiting the United Arab Emirates. However, the FCDO advises: “Ongoing hostilities between Israel and Lebanon could escalate quickly and pose risks for the wider region. Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast.”
The FCDO also warns: “Military activity is currently underway in response to attempts by Houthi militants to prevent movement of international shipping in the Red Sea. While the area of activity is limited to the Red Sea and Yemen, there is a possibility that Travel Advice for nearby countries could change at short notice.”
Aside from military considerations, the FCDO issues warnings about crime, sexual assault, LGBT+ rights, alcohol laws and flash flooding in the region.
Is there a risk of terrorist attacks in Dubai?
The FCDO advises: “There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.”
Terrorist groups often threaten to carry out attacks in the Gulf region, and have previously referenced plans to target Western interests and specifically UK citizens. The FCDO says that targets could include restaurants, hotels, beaches and shopping centres, along with other public areas.
“Maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places and at public events,” the FCDO adds.
Can I fly to Dubai?
Due to airspace closures, airlines have been forced to adjust their flight routes to avoid flying over parts of the Middle East. This means that some flights will take longer than usual – something to be aware of, given that the UAE is home to some of the world’s major airport transit hubs.
A small handful of Emirates and flyDubai flights to Dubai have been cancelled over the past fortnight due to scheduling complications that have arisen due to regional airspace closures. Emirates also cancelled flights from Dubai to Iraq, Iran and Jordan on Friday October 4 and Saturday October 5. Flights to Iraq and Jordan have resumed but flights to Tehran and Beirut remain suspended.
Emirates has also banned passengers from carrying walkie talkies or pagers on its planes, after hundreds of electronic devices exploded in Lebanon in mid September.
What if I want to cancel my holiday?
If you have booked a package holiday to Dubai, Abu Dhabi or anywhere else in the UAE and want to cancel your trip for any reason, contact your tour operator and they might offer flexibility with alternative dates.
But bear in mind that, because the Foreign Office has not issued any formal advice against travel to the UAE, there is no guarantee you will receive a refund, nor will you be able to claim money back with your travel insurance company.
If you have booked flights and accommodation independently, and wish to cancel your holiday, contact your travel providers as soon as possible to see if you can rearrange your plans. Note, however, that given the circumstances, it is unlikely you will receive a full refund.
This story was first published in October 2023 and has been revised and updated.
