The UK government has issued an urgent new warning for British travellers planning a trip to the United Arab Emirates, including the popular holiday hub of Dubai. The alert comes in response to a heightened and specific risk of terrorist activity in the region.
FCDO Updates Guidance for Travellers
In its latest update, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has explicitly stated that "terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)." The advisory, which was revised on 19 December 2025, represents a significant escalation in the official risk assessment for the country.
The guidance indicates that attacks could be indiscriminate and may target locations visited by foreigners. However, it highlights a particular concern for sites perceived to have Israeli or Jewish links, which could be singled out. This specific detail underscores the evolving nature of the threat landscape in the Gulf state.
Impact on British Holidaymakers
The warning delivers a sobering message to the thousands of UK citizens who travel to the UAE each year for its beaches, luxury shopping, and year-round sunshine. Dubai, a major global transit and tourism destination, is directly referenced as being within the area of heightened risk.
While the FCDO has not advised against all travel, it is urging extreme vigilance. Travellers are being instructed to:
- Stay aware of their surroundings at all times.
- Follow the advice of local authorities and security personnel.
- Monitor media reports for any new developments.
The alert serves as a critical reminder for holidaymakers to review their travel insurance and ensure they have registered their trip with the FCDO's travel advice service.
Context and Recommended Actions
This updated terror warning places the UAE in a similar risk category to several other destinations where the threat of attack is considered persistent. The move by UK officials reflects intelligence assessments pointing to a credible and imminent danger.
For those with imminent travel plans, the advice is clear: the threat is real and precautions are essential. The FCDO's travel advice pages for the UAE should be consulted regularly for any further updates. British nationals currently in the country are advised to remain alert, especially in crowded public places, major hotels, and transport hubs.
The issuance of this alert on 19 December 2025, just before the peak festive travel period, underscores the seriousness with which the UK government is treating the current intelligence.
