The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for Dubai and the broader United Arab Emirates (UAE), reflecting the evolving security situation amid the ongoing Middle East crisis. On March 15, the FCDO announced the suspension of its ‘register your interest in flights from UAE’ scheme as commercial flights to the UK resume.
The official statement from the FCDO reads: “With commercial flights resuming to the UK from the United Arab Emirates, we are pausing our ‘register your interest in flights from UAE’ scheme. If you remain in the UAE and need to return to the UK, please check flight availability with commercial airlines. You may still register your presence in the UAE for further updates.”
Travelers are strongly advised to avoid all but essential travel to the UAE following recent security incidents, including a drone attack on Fujairah, the country’s primary oil port on its east coast. The attack caused significant damage with thick black smoke observed rising from the port’s terminal.
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Experts provide insight into the regional dynamics fueling the crisis. Khaled Almezaini, Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations at Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, notes, “The perceived Iranian threat to the Gulf turned real only after the US declared war — Iran did not initiate the conflict. While Iran faces strong condemnation, there is also an urgent call from the region to the US and Israel to seek an end to hostilities. This is not the Gulf’s war.”
Almezaini further highlights the Gulf Cooperation Council’s diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation: “The UAE and GCC tried to prevent the US from declaring war, fully aware of the potential consequences.”
From an international perspective, Allison Minor, Director of the Atlantic Council’s Middle East integration project, emphasizes the importance of regional collaboration: “The key question remains whether the Gulf states are receiving the necessary consultation and security support from the United States before any military engagement.”
Sanam Vakil, Director of the Middle East and North Africa programme at Chatham House, frames the sentiment in the Gulf: “This situation is the Gulf’s worst nightmare. There is significant anger and frustration toward the United States because the Gulf states are bearing the conflict’s impact despite it not being their war.”
Given these developments, UK nationals and travelers are urged to stay informed, exercise caution, and adhere to government travel advice while in the UAE.