Houthi strikes on Riyadh and a downed Saudi fighter jet have made headlines this week, so it's fair to ask whether a trip to Dubai or Abu Dhabi is still a good idea. The short answer from the UK Foreign Office: yes, for now — nothing about its UAE advice has changed.
The FCDO lifted its warning against "all but essential travel" to the UAE back in June, and that position still stands despite the recent escalation. Since September, the Iran-backed Houthi rebels have ramped up attacks on neighbouring Saudi Arabia, claiming a series of strikes on Riyadh on Saturday and the downing of a Saudi F-15 over Yemen's Marib province on Tuesday. The UAE itself hasn't been targeted in these latest incidents, but the FCDO is blunt about the wider picture: the Middle East situation "remains unpredictable", and there's a risk of further attacks and unforeseen escalation across the region.
For Brits already in or heading to the region, the government's guidance is practical rather than alarmist. Read the FCDO's crisis abroad guidance, follow local authorities, and sign up for email alerts. If conflict flares again, steer clear of military and security facilities, keep your travel documents and departure plans current, and shelter indoors if told to. Travellers should also brace for the possibility of flight cancellations, airspace closures and general disruption — the FCDO specifically warns of this.
On the ground, flights are largely operating. Commercial routes between the UAE and the UK have resumed, and Riyadh airport is running despite Saturday's strikes. The caveats: British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are among carriers that have cancelled or suspended some regional routes, so check your specific booking. If your flight is canned, remember you have rights — airlines must get you to your destination as soon as possible on any available carrier under air passenger rules.
Thinking of booking anyway? Because the FCDO no longer advises against non-essential travel to the UAE, your travel insurance should be valid — but always check the wording of your individual policy, as travelling against FCDO advice is the classic way to void cover. Package holidays are expected to run as normal, and there's currently no basis for a refund if you simply decide to cancel. The one clear rule to remember: if the FCDO does change its advice to "against all travel", you can cancel a package holiday penalty-free for a full refund. So it's worth re-checking the advice page just before you book and again before you fly.
Who is this for? Anyone with a Dubai or Abu Dhabi trip on the horizon, or eyeing a winter-sun booking to the Gulf. The UAE remains open and officially green-lit by the FCDO; the risk is disruption rather than a closed door. Keep an eye on the news, know your rebooking rights, and make sure your policy matches the current advice level — then that Dubai beach break is very much still on the table.
