British Travelers Face Real Risks in Dubai Amid Gulf Tensions, Hotels Warn

Luxury hotels in Dubai have already taken hits from missile debris. That detail, buried in official guidance, tells you more about the current reality facing British holidaymakers than any diplomatic statement.

Geopolitical tensions across the Gulf have eased on paper but remain fragile in practice. The US declared a ceasefire with Iran “over,” then launched fresh military strikes, prompting Iranian retaliation against targets in Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain. Despite that escalation, the UK Foreign Office removed its blanket warning against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates at the end of June, a decision it has not reversed.

The practical upshot for British travellers is that Dubai remains open. Emirates and Etihad continue to operate flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and UAE airspace has not closed. Because the Foreign Office has not updated its travel guidance following the ceasefire breakdown, most standard travel insurance policies now cover trips to the region. For those with Atol-protected package holidays, the removal of the essential-travel-only warning means refunds are no longer automatically available, even for travellers who remain uneasy about the situation.

What distinguishes Dubai’s position is its geography. Sitting across the Gulf from Iran, the emirate has already absorbed the effects of regional conflict. Luxury hotels, residences and airports have sustained damage from falling debris as missiles were intercepted. Civilian infrastructure across the country, including roads, bridges and public institutions, has come under fire. The Foreign Office warns explicitly that the situation remains unpredictable and that attacks could resume at short notice.

For those pressing ahead with travel plans, the Foreign Office guidance is direct. Britons should monitor local and international media and follow instructions from local authorities if hostilities resume. The agency also warns against posting critical material online, including video or social media content that portrays the government or the UAE negatively, as this is illegal under UAE law. Standard security advice applies throughout: stay aware of surroundings at all times, given that hotels, beaches, restaurants and shopping centres are identified as possible terrorist targets. Secure areas and military facilities should be avoided, though the Foreign Office acknowledges that civilian infrastructure carries equal risk.

By contrast, Dubai’s ordinary profile is that of one of the world’s most visited cities. More than 19.5 million people travelled there in 2025 to experience its skyscrapers, beaches and luxury hotels. Tourism operations have resumed normally, but the underlying volatility means rapid escalation without warning remains possible.

On practical entry arrangements, British passport holders receive free tourist visas on arrival, valid for up to 90 days over a 180-day period, provided their passport has at least six months remaining. Those who have previously visited Israel can enter the UAE as tourists without issue, though work visas may attract additional scrutiny.

Local laws and customs deserve careful attention. The UAE is a Muslim country where public displays of affection are frowned upon, and women are expected to dress modestly in public spaces, covering arms and legs. Swimwear is acceptable at beaches and pools. Alcohol can be purchased and consumed in licensed venues such as hotels and restaurants, though a temporary liquor licence is required to buy from the main retail chains. Same-sex marriages are not recognised, and same-sex sexual activity is illegal. The Foreign Office notes that the UAE is tolerant in many respects and that private life is generally respected, but public elements of same-sex relationships carry real legal risk.

The UAE reformed its laws in 2020 to allow non-Muslim unmarried couples of the opposite sex to cohabit and share hotel rooms legally, provided both are single. Consensual sex between non-Muslim unmarried adults of the same status is permitted. Laws protecting minors under 18 are strictly enforced.

The Foreign Office maintains detailed and regularly updated guidance at https://www.thetimes.com/travel/advice/uae-dubai-is-it-safe-to-visit-latest-hkq3vrqcl. Travellers should consult it before departure and consider registering their presence with the Foreign Office if they proceed. Whether that guidance will need updating again before the summer is over remains an open question.