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Foreign Office strengthens UAE travel advice following 'unforeseen escalation' across the Middle East

Middle East
Dea Jusufi
24 July 2026

The Foreign Office (FCDO) has updated its travel guidance for the United Arab Emirates as regional tensions continue to escalate despite last month's US-Iran memorandum of understanding.

Family in front of Dubai marina skyline
iStock/SHansche

The latest changes stop short of advising against travel to the UAE but warn Brits to expect flight disruption, airspace closures and security risks

The latest changes, published on 24 July, stop short of advising against travel to the UAE, but warn British travellers to expect potential flight disruption and airspace closures and further security risks following a wave of Iranian strikes and retaliatory attacks across the region since 8 July.

The FCDO warns there is a risk of further attacks and "unforeseen escalation" across the Middle East, noting that Iran had previously stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including civilian infrastructure such as airports, ports and hotels.