The escalating geopolitical instability in the Middle East, particularly the heightened conflict between Israel and Iran following US military strikes on Iranian sites on June 22, has raised significant concerns for international travelers heading to the region, including the popular destination of Dubai. Despite Dubai's stature as one of the world's leading holiday spots, having welcomed 18.72 million tourists last year and being recognized among Time Out's best cities for 2025, its proximity to the conflict zone has led many to question the safety and potential disruptions to travel.

Official guidance from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) indicates that while travel to the United Arab Emirates has not been explicitly advised against, vigilance is strongly encouraged. The FCDO warns that ongoing hostilities in the region have the potential to deteriorate rapidly and without warning. It explicitly highlights the possibility of travel disruption, including short-notice airspace closures, delayed, and canceled flights. Therefore, travelers are urged to diligently monitor local and international media for the latest information, adhere to instructions from local authorities, and consult their respective airlines for real-time updates before commencing their journeys.

Indeed, the conflict has already caused notable disruptions to air travel. British Airways and Singapore Airlines, for instance, temporarily suspended flights to Dubai and Doha starting Sunday, June 22. British Airways cancelled two scheduled flights from London Heathrow to Dubai and Doha on that day, affecting more than a thousand passengers in Dubai who were waiting to return to the UK. BA offered rebooking options free of charge for customers scheduled to travel between June 22 and July 24, allowing rebooking up to and including July 6. A spokesperson for British Airways confirmed these adjustments were made to prioritize the safety of customers and crew. Singapore Airlines similarly cancelled two flights to and from Dubai on Sunday following a security assessment of the geopolitical situation.

Conversely, other major carriers like Emirates and Qatar Airways have continued to operate their scheduled flights between the UK and Dubai and Doha respectively. This suggests that the decision to halt operations is a precautionary measure specific to certain airlines. Furthermore, Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum (DWC) airports have maintained normal operations. The UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security even activated an emergency airport protocol to ensure continuity of immigration, baggage handling, and ground support services in the event of unexpected flight diversions.

The commencement of hostilities around June 13 led to temporary airspace closures over Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. In response, several long-haul carriers adjusted their flight paths. Dubai-based airlines, including Emirates, Etihad, and Flydubai, rerouted some services along southern corridors over Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Sea. While these adjustments resulted in minor delays, widespread cancellations within UAE airspace have been avoided, as it remains unaffected by the direct closures.

International government advisories concerning travel to the UAE largely remain unchanged. The US government indicates that visitors generally find a safe environment in the UAE, with no specific warnings against visiting Dubai, although a broader Middle East security bulletin advises increased caution. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not issued any advisory against travel to the UAE, with travel between the two nations continuing uninterrupted. Similarly, both Canada and Australia maintain their standard caution advisories for the UAE, without introducing new restrictions.

For travelers with existing bookings, understanding travel insurance policies is paramount. Insurance claims for hotel or airline ticket cancellations typically hinge on the issuance of official government