The travel advice comes after escalating tensions between Israel and Iran
Travellers heading to the Middle East are being urged to exercise caution as the UK Foreign Office has update its travel advice for six countries in the region that are popular with UK tourists due to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.
The alert, issued on June 19, applies to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Oman, advising tourists of potential security risks and disruptions. The Foreign Office warned that hostilities in the region could “escalate quickly”, posing security concerns for both the local population and foreign nationals.
The situation is particularly sensitive given the possibility of short-notice airspace closures, flight delays, cancellations and other unanticipated impacts that may affect travel plans. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here
The advisory urges travellers to monitor local and international media for the latest information, remain vigilant, follow instructions from local authorities and check with relevant airlines before travelling.
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The Foreign Office advises tourists to the countries to monitor local and international media for the latest information, and be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities.
The warning for the UAE, which include Dubai, says: “Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region.
“There is a possibility of travel disruption, including short-notice airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights, and other unanticipated travel impacts.”
In Oman it also warns the terrorist attacks “cannot be ruled out” and “attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreigners”.
There is the same warning for terrorist attacks in Qatar. The Foreign Office warns: “Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.”
The warnings come as Iran and Israel exchange heavy air strikes. The conflict began with Israeli strikes on nuclear sites in Iran and on its capital of Tehran on Friday. Israel says Iran is secretly developing a nuclear weapon, something which Tehran has consistently denied. At least 224 people have been killed in Iran and 24 people killed in Israel since the conflict erupted last week, according to authorities in both countries.