Dubai travel remains operational as regional tensions escalate nearby

UAE airspace is open, Emirates and Etihad are flying, and the UK Foreign Office has not tightened its travel guidance for the United Arab Emirates, even as fresh American military strikes against Iran and retaliatory Iranian drone attacks on Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain have reignited regional instability.

The Foreign Office removed its warning against all but essential travel to the UAE at the end of June, the first relaxation of its advisory since conflict broke out in February. That position holds. The authority cautions, however, that the situation is unpredictable and attacks could resume without warning.

For travellers, the operational picture is largely functional. Both Emirates and Etihad have resumed flight operations to the UK from Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports. UAE airspace remains open. Most travel insurance policies are now valid for the region, and passengers can transit through UAE airports without restriction. The removal of the essential-travel-only warning carries one practical consequence: package holiday customers no longer qualify for automatic full refunds from tour operators. Those with concerns should contact their agents directly.

Dubai has not been insulated from the conflict. Missile debris from the broader Israel-Iran tensions has caused damage to luxury hotels, residences and airport facilities. Roads, bridges and other civilian infrastructure across the country have come under fire from Iranian attacks. Yet the emirate continues to operate as a major international hub. More than 19.5 million visitors came to Dubai in 2025.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Office is pressing British nationals to stay alert. Should hostilities resume, visitors are advised to follow local authority instructions, register with the Foreign Office and monitor local and international media. A broader security warning applies across the Gulf: there is a high threat of terrorist attack targeting UK interests and nationals, with hotels, beaches, restaurants and shopping centres listed as possible targets. Visitors should remain aware of their surroundings and stay away from military facilities and secure areas.

One restriction catches many travellers off guard. Posting critical material online is illegal in the UAE. This includes social media content or video that portrays the government or the country negatively.

Entry requirements are straightforward. British passport holders receive free tourist visas on arrival, valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Passports must carry at least six months of remaining validity. Travellers with Israeli stamps in their passports can still enter as tourists, though work visa applications may prompt additional checks.

The UAE has reformed several laws in recent years. Since 2020, non-Muslim unmarried couples of the opposite sex can legally cohabit and share hotel rooms. Consensual sex between non-Muslim unmarried adults of the opposite sex is legal if both parties are single. Same-sex marriages are not recognised, and same-sex sexual activity remains illegal, with enforcement reported particularly where there is a public element. The Foreign Office describes the UAE as, in many respects, a tolerant society where private life is respected.

Alcohol is available at licensed venues including hotels, restaurants and pubs. Visitors can obtain temporary liquor licences from the two main alcohol retailers using a passport and entry stamp.

Dress codes reflect the country’s Muslim character. Women should dress modestly in public spaces, including shopping malls and parks, covering the top of the arms and legs with no underwear or swimwear visible. A scarf or shawl is advisable at religious sites. Swimwear is acceptable at beaches and pools. Public displays of affection are discouraged throughout the emirate.

The Foreign Office’s current position is that the UAE is safe to visit. Whether that assessment holds depends entirely on how quickly the regional situation moves. More information is available at https://www.thetimes.com/travel/advice/uae-dubai-is-it-safe-to-visit-latest-hkq3vrqcl.