Is it safe to travel to Dubai and Abu Dhabi? Latest UAE travel advice after two killed in missile attack

Two people were killed in a missile attack in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, 26 March as the UAE said it was responding to an active missile threat from Iran.

The Abu Dhabi Media Office said that authorities responded to “an incident involving falling debris in Sweihan street, following the successful interception of a ballistic missile by air defence systems.”

The country continues to recover from the temporary closure of airspace earlier this month, which grounded flights and severely disrupted travel plans in the UAE.

Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi say they are gradually resuming some flights to and from its airports.

The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has advised against all but essential travel to the UAE as the regional escalation poses “significant security risks”.

Here’s the latest travel advice for the UAE, plus all the key questions and answers.

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Is it safe to travel to the UAE?

As of 26 March, the UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates as regional escalation “poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption”.

What is the government advice if you are already there?

British nationals in the UAE, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have been told to register their presence for updates.

The FCDO has also advised people to stay away from security or military facilities and American or Israeli facilities and institutions.

It adds to follow the instructions of the local authorities and monitor local and international media for the latest information. Britons should read the FCDO’s crisis abroad guidance and sign up to travel advice email alerts.

“Iran continues to strike civilian infrastructure across the region such as ports, hotels, roads, bridges, energy facilities, financial institutions, oil production sites, water systems and airports,” the FCDO says.

The FCDO is also advising that “if local authorities advise you to take shelter, stay indoors or move to the nearest safe building immediately.”

“The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure. Choose an interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible for additional protection.”

It asks people to also limit movements to essential journeys, and when travel is unavoidable, move in daylight hours, avoid crowded venues, keep your mobile phone with you and charged and let friends or family know where you are going.

“If you are away from your home or hotel, and an attack occurs or you receive an alert from the official UAE warning system, seek shelter in the closest building immediately,” it adds.

British embassies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai “continue to operate as normal”.

Travellers are also reminded that it is illegal to post material, including videos and photographs, online that is “critical of the UAE government, companies or individuals, or which relates to incidents in the UAE”, following the arrest of a British man in Dubai after allegedly filming missiles.

Are flights going to Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

The latest update from Dubai’s main airport (DXB) said: “Dubai Airports confirms the gradual resumption of some flights to and from Dubai International (DXB) to selected destinations.”

DXB told travellers “to check with their airlines for the latest updates regarding their flights.”

A notice from Zayed International said: “Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport unless they hold a confirmed ticket and have been explicitly advised by their airline to do so. Access to the airport will be restricted to confirmed travellers only.”

UAE flag carrier Emirates is currently operating a reduced flight schedule following the partial reopening of regional airspace.

Emirates said in an update: “We continue to monitor the situation, and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly. We would like to thank you for your understanding and patience.

“The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority and will not be compromised.”

Customers booked for travel between 28 February and 15 April will be rebooked on the next available Emirates flight in the event of disruption.

Under air passengers’ rights rules, travellers are entitled to be flown to their destination as soon as possible on any airline that has seats available.

How can I get home from the UAE?

The Foreign Office says British travellers should limit movements to “essential journeys only” and “follow the instructions of the local authorities”.

There are a limited number of commercial options available to leave, including air travel from the UAE and Oman.

According to the FCDO: “If your presence in the UAE is not essential, you may wish to consider departing - if you judge you can access these options safely. Check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator, as well as the instructions from local authorities, and the status of any border crossings before you travel.

“If you are travelling by air, do not travel to the airport unless your airline has confirmed your reservation.”

The Foreign Office adds that travel “within or out of the UAE is at your own risk”.

British nationals attempting to leave via Saudi Arabia on emergency travel documents should call the embassy in Riyadh or Jeddah for advice.

Can I cancel my holiday to the UAE?

Should you decide to cancel a flight ticket, holiday, tour or excursion to the UAE, speak to your travel provider. As the FCDO advises all but essential travel – urgent family or business commitments – to the UAE, you may be able to cancel a package holiday without penalty for a full refund. Package holidays must follow the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, with refunds issued if there has been a “significant change at your destination” before you travel. Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the FCDO.

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