FOREIGN OFFICE REMOVES UAE TRAVEL WARNING AFTER US-IRAN DEAL

The Foreign Office has withdrawn its advice against travel to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and most parts of Saudi Arabia following an agreement between the United States and Iran. The Foreign Office stated that despite the peace deal, "the situation remains unpredictable" and warned British citizens that "attacks could resume at short notice" in the region. The reversal follows a ceasefire announced on 8 April. The Foreign Office noted that the US and Iran have announced a memorandum of understanding in relation to the Middle East conflict.

British Airways suspended flights to the region until October 2026, whilst Virgin Atlantic suspended services until winter 2027 after the conflict began. Emirates, owned by the state, continued operating flights throughout the period. Thousands of British citizens were left stranded in the Middle East when the initial conflict erupted, and many airlines halted services to major travel hubs in the region. Official data recorded that more than 1.4 million British visitors travelled to Dubai in the previous year.

The Foreign Office's statement acknowledged that Iran had previously stated its intention to target locations in the Gulf associated with the United States and Israel, including civilian infrastructure such as ports, hotels, roads, bridges, energy facilities and airports. The Foreign Office cautioned that the Iranian regime had targeted such infrastructure across the region prior to the ceasefire. Airlines have not yet announced confirmed dates for resuming full services to the affected areas.