Dubai and Abu Dhabi remain open for business, and the UK Foreign Office has given them the green light — but the picture around flights is messier than the advice suggests.
The FCDO lifted its recommendation against all but essential travel to the UAE back in June, following the ceasefire that ended the Iran-US conflict that broke out in February. That guidance, last updated on 18 June, still stands as of late September, even though the Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been ramping up attacks on neighbouring Saudi Arabia. The Houthis claimed a series of strikes on Riyadh that sent a column of black smoke rising from fuel tanks near the capital's international airport, temporarily disrupting flights, and say they shot down a Saudi F-15 jet over Yemen's Marib province.
So what does the advice actually say? The FCDO describes the Middle East situation as "unpredictable" and warns there's a risk of further attacks and unforeseen escalation across the region. British nationals in or heading to the area are told to follow local authority guidance, stay away from security and military facilities if conflict resumes, keep travel documents and departure plans current, and shelter indoors if advised. Travellers should also be ready for possible flight cancellations and periodic airspace closures.
Here's the part that will affect most UK holidaymakers directly: while commercial flights between the UK and the UAE are running normally right now, several major carriers have pulled routes. British Airways won't resume Dubai flights until 3 November and isn't planning Abu Dhabi flights until winter 2027. Virgin Atlantic is holding off on Dubai until winter 2027 too. If your flight does get cancelled, air passengers' rights rules mean you're entitled to be rebooked on any available airline with seats.
The insurance question is the one worth nailing down before booking. Because the FCDO no longer advises against non-essential travel to the UAE, most policies should remain valid — but travelling against FCDO advice can void your cover, so check your specific policy. Package holidays are expected to run as usual, and right now there's no basis for a refund if you cancel, whether from the operator or your insurer. If the FCDO advice escalates to "against all travel", you'd be able to cancel a package holiday penalty-free with a full refund.
Who is this for? Anyone with a Dubai or Abu Dhabi trip pencilled in, or eyeing one while fares might be softer. The destination itself is operating normally — hotels, attractions and everyday life are unaffected — but booking with a carrier that actually flies the route matters more than usual right now, and keeping an eye on FCDO updates between booking and boarding is a smart habit. If flexibility matters to you, choose fares and operators with reasonable change terms, and read your policy's small print on regional conflict before you pay a deposit.
