Tensions in the Middle East have escalated following the US’s strikes on Iran, and as the conflict between Iran and Israel continues, many holidaymakers have been left wondering whether it’s safe to travel to the region.
Dubai, the most populated city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is a famous tourist destination – and in 2023, it welcomed 17 million international guests, making it the third most visited city in the world.
These figures increased even further in 2024, reaching 18.72 million, while the UK ranks fourth globally in terms of tourism to Dubai specifically.
And in 2022 alone, it received 1,043,000 British nationals, with the city famed for its brunches, beach bars, and towering skyscrapers.
Increasingly, Dubai has also seen an influx of UK nationals to the city, with more than 240,000 British people currently estimated to be living in the City of Gold.
But, with less than 100 miles between the city of Dubai and Iran, is it safe to travel there right now?
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How far is Dubai from Israel and Iran?
Dubai is around 130 kilometres (80 miles) across the water from Iran, divided by the both the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf.
Between Dubai and Israel, there’s a land distance of 2,660 kilometres (1,652 miles), with Saudi Arabia and Jordan separating the two countries.
As of June 22, the UK Foreign Office advises those who have a valid or expired Israeli visa or stamp in their passport that they ‘shouldn’t face difficulties entering the UAE’ – as long as they don’t have any plans to work.
‘Further checks may be needed and there is a risk you may be refused entry,’ the advice reads.
‘If you are a British-Israeli dual national and have any concerns about entering the UAE, contact the UAE Embassy in the UK.’
The Foreign Office adds that ‘ongoing hostilities in the region’ and between Israel and Iran specifically ‘have the potential to deteriorate further, quickly and without warning’ – particularly since the US strikes against Iran on June 22.
It warns of the possibility of disruption to travel, which might include airspace closures at short notice, and flights being subject to delay or cancellation.
British travellers to the region are also encouraged to keep up to date with local and international media, to be vigilant and follow the instructions of the local authorities, and to check with your airline before flying.
However, the Foreign Office has advised against all travel to Israel, and British nationals there have been urged to register their interest in a Government-organised flight out of the country early next week.
A spokesperson for the Foreign Office (FCDO) said: ‘This is a perilous and volatile moment for the Middle East.
‘The safety of British Nationals in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories continues to be our utmost priority – that’s why the UK Government is preparing flights to help those wanting to leave.
‘Working closely with the Israeli authorities, our staff are continuing to work at pace to assist British Nationals on the ground and ensure they receive the support they need.’
Can I claim a refund for my Dubai holiday if I don’t want to go?
The Foreign Office has not advised against travel to the UAE, and this directly impacts refund rights.
With this in mind, you likely won’t be able to cancel a trip and swap it out for a full refund, and travel insurance likely won’t help since insurers will potentially argue that there’s no reason not to go.
As Grant Winter, compliance officer at specialist travel insurance provider Goodtogo, previously told Metro: ‘No airline is obligated to refund you for a flight you choose not to take.’
So, with this in mind, if you choose not to travel for your holiday in Dubai, you risk losing more than a pretty penny.
Why have British Airways cancelled flights to Dubai and is Emirates still flying there?
A British Airways flight from London to Dubai turned back less than two hours before it was due to land – and ended up having to station in Zurich, Switzerland, as it didn’t have enough fuel on board to make it back to the UK.
BA Flight 109 left Heathrow at 9.53pm on Saturday night – hours before the US dropped bombs on three of Tehran’s nuclear sites.
The Boeing 787 flew for five hours on its planned path, travelling over Egypt, the Red Sea and Saudi Arabia. But with less than two hours before it was due to arrive in the UAE, it turned around at 2.48am after it received news of the developments in Iran.
BA has since cancelled all three planned departures to Dubai on Sunday, while around 1,000 of its passengers remain stuck in the Gulf city awaiting a return flight. The airline also axed a Sunday night flight bound for Doha in Qatar.
British Airways told The Independent: ‘As a result of recent events, we have adjusted our flight schedule to ensure the safety of our customers and crew, which is always our top priority.
‘We are contacting our customers to advise them of their options while we work through this developing situation.’
Metro has contacted British Airways for comment.
However, there’s no indication that Emirates has suspended any flights to Dubai – though it’s paused all travel to Iran (Tehran specifically) and Iraq (Baghdad and Basra), until at least 30 June, 2025.
What is happening between Israel and Iran?
Since the initial Israeli strikes on Iran on June 13 that targeted its nuclear and military sites, the two countries have traded volleys of attacks that have caused civilian casualties and destruction in Tel Aviv and Tehran.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims Tehran was developing a nuclear weapon that posed an imminent threat to Israel.
Iran insists it doesn’t want nuclear weapons and was not developing them. Israel is widely acknowledged to have nuclear weapons, though it has never publicly confirmed it.
The attacks, which experts say took years to plan, came despite ongoing negotiations between Iran and Israel’s main ally, the US, over the future of Iran’s nuclear programme.
The US also launched strikes early on June 22 against three nuclear sites in Iran: Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz.
President Donald Trump announced from the White House: ‘Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated.’
Trump has said Iran cannot be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, which could be used to attack Israel or other targets in the West.
Sir Keir Starmer backed the strikes, describing the nuclear programme as ‘a grave threat to international security.’
Donald Trump has also warned of grave consequences if American bases or troops are targeted.
‘If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the US Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before,’ he said in a post on Truth Social.
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