Known for its luxury shopping, breath-taking modern architecture, inviting beaches, and unforgettable desert safaris, Dubai is a popular travel destination for countless Brits.
However, as the conflict between Israel and Gaza intensifies, travellers have found themselves questioning if it is safe to travel to Dubai.
The recent attack on the Al-Ahli al-Arabi Hospital in Gaza City on Tuesday, October 17, killed 471 Palestinians and injured 314 others. The Gaza health ministry described it as an “Israeli massacre”. However, US President Joe Biden claimed the blast was “done by the other team”, pointing the finger at Hamas, a blame strongly rejected by the group.
Currently, more than 3,300 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli air strikes in Gaza, with more than 13,000 wounded, following Hamas causing the death of more than 1,400 Israelis.
After days of international pleas, Israel finally agreed to allow humanitarian aid to be given to Palestinians who flee Gaza City to the south but it didn’t explain where and when this would happen.
Although it’s not an immediate neighbour, the United Arab Emirates and, thus, Dubai are feeling the heat of the conflict.
So is it safe to travel?
Has the Israel-Hamas conflict impacted Dubai?
After the Israel-Hamas conflict kicked off, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) made a statement, saying the country doesn’t “mix the economy and trade with politics”, referring to the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Israel, the nation’s first free trade agreement with an Arab state.
The country has been trying to take a balanced approach, condemning the kidnapping of Israeli hostages and supporting Israel while announcing that it will be giving $20 million in humanitarian aid to Palestinians.
Besides feeling the economic and political tensions, Dubai hasn’t been affected by the events.
Is it safe to travel to the UAE?
The Foreign Office hasn’t issued any new travel advice or warnings for the UAE in months. So, currently, the Government hasn’t highlighted any Israel-Hamas-related risks to consider while travelling to and from the UAE.
The only matters it cautions Brits about are the missiles and drones that were launched into the UAE from Yemen in early 2022, which were followed by a Houthi arrack on civilian facilities in Abu Dhabi and further ballistic missiles, which were intercepted by their air defence forces.
While the online travel advice highlights that terrorists are likely to carry out attacks in the UAE, it also says that “around 1.5 million British nationals visit the UAE every year”, with most of the trips “trouble-free”.
Are flights from the UK still operating?
Flights to and from Dubai and any other UAE states are operating as usual.
Brits are allowed into the Emirates without needing a pre-acquired visa. They are granted a visitor/tourist visa that is valid for up to 40 days for free upon arrival without the need for any applications.
However, Brits have to ensure that their passports are valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry into the UAE.
