United Arab Emirates Travel Risk

Reconsider travel to the United Arab Emirates due to terrorism and armed conflict.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

U.S. government employees working in the UAE need special authorization to travel to military bases and critical energy infrastructure sites due to UAE government restrictions and potential security risks. Additional staffing posture adjustments may be imposed on U.S. personnel under Chief of Mission security responsibility due to evolving security issues.

Armed Conflict

Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area.

Terrorism

There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in the United Arab Emirates. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Terrorists may attack with little or no warning and may target tourist locations, transportation hubs, shopping areas, government facilities, places of worship, and in particular locations associated with the Jewish and Israeli communities.

Regional tensions

The context in the Middle East remains deeply unpredictable and the risk of sudden escalation is high. Since conflict began in early 2026, Iran has stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including, but not limited to, organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions. There have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran and others across the region against civilian and US military infrastructure.

British nationals in, or planning to travel through, the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions. You should:

• read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”
• sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts
• follow advice from the local authorities
• monitor local and international media for the latest information, including updates relating to airports and airspace which could close at short notice
• stay away from areas around security or military facilities
• keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date
• if advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure. Do not approach or touch any drone or missile fragments or unusual objects

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in the UAE

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals.

Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region. These include references to attacks on western interests, including against UK citizens. Due to increasing regional tensions, Israeli and Jewish linked sites could be targets for terrorists in the UAE.

Targets may include:

• residential compounds
• military sites
• oil
• transport
• aviation interests
• crowded places
• restaurants
• hotels
• beaches
• shopping centres
• places of worship

Maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places and at public events.

Risk level

United Arab Emirates - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in the United Arab Emirates due to the volatile security situation in the region.

Regional risks

Al Minhad Air Base and its surroundings - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to the Al Minhad Air Base and its surroundings as bounded by the highways E611 in the northwest, E66 in the northeast, D63 in the southwest and E77 in the southeast.

Tensions in the Middle East

The security situation remains volatile due to ongoing military activity in the region.

Missile and drone attacks have struck targets in the region. Military activity may cause travel disruptions, including flight cancellations.

Filming, taking photos and online sharing of images of military installations, activity or damage could lead to severe penalties pursuant to the enforcement of local laws and regulations across the region.

You should:

• be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities at all times
• be prepared to shelter in place if instructed to do so
• ensure that your travel documents and those of your family are up to date
• monitor local and international media to stay informed of the situation
• sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive important additional information, specific to your location

Situation in the Middle East: Information for Canadians in the region

Terrorism

There’s an ongoing threat of terrorism. Terrorist groups have indicated their intention to target the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In the context of ongoing regional tensions, terrorists could carry out attacks against Jewish and Israeli targets. Enhanced security measures are in place, and Emirati authorities may reinforce them on short notice.

Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, military installations and schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant during sporting events, religious holidays and other public celebrations. Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks.

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