The UK government has told British nationals across the UAE to shelter in place after Dubai International airport was reportedly hit by an Iranian strike on Sunday.
Several Gulf states have temporarily closed their airspace as conflict between Iran, Israel and the US escalates across UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
Four people were reportedly injured at the airport, which remains closed. Zayed International in Abu Dhabi is also not operating any flights after a reported strike resulted in one death and seven injuries.
A passenger advisory from Dubai International said: “Passengers must not travel to the airport and are advised to contact their airline directly for the latest flight updates. We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates as soon as available.”
A series of other explosions have been reported in Dubai and Abu Dhabi as American and Israeli airstrikes continue in the region.
On Saturday, a projectile struck the Fairmont The Palm hotel in Dubai’s prestigious Palm Jumeirah area.
The Foreign Office (FCDO) is warning British nationals in the UAE to shelter in place, to register their presence with the government and to follow local safety advice.
“Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in the UAE should immediately shelter in place,” reads the advice.
“Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities.”
The Independent understands that rescue flights to Muscat for UAE passengers are being actively pursued – with UK citizens bussed across the desert to the Omani airport, reports travel correspondent Simon Calder.
“While the FCDO warning urges British citizens to avoid travelling, an exception would be made for the one-off journey across the border to Oman if planes are waiting to fly them home,” said Simon.
He added: “A similar operation could potentially see British citizens in Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait taken to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia to be flown home.”
UAE’s major cities, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, attract many British citizens to holiday or reside there long term, providing them with a warm climate, luxury culture and tax-free living. Some 1.4 million British tourists visited Dubai in 2025.
Alison Woodward, 71, and Gul Woodward, 70, are among the British citizens who boarded a flight last week for a birthday celebration in the glitzy emirate.
But within days, the pair found themselves in the middle of the escalating regional conflict.
“It was really scary. We were shaking,” Alison told The Independent. “We’re trying to manage this with the British spirit, and a cup of tea. That solves everything.”
As of 28 February, the UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to the UAE.
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