# Dubai and the regional situation in 2026: facts, official advice and precautions The United Arab Emirates was targeted by Iranian strikes from 28 February to 8 April 2026, and new attacks have hit the region since July. As of October 2026, European foreign ministries do not give the same advice: some advise against non-essential travel, others do not. Photographing impacts or debris is a criminal offence. Source : https://sabaro-travel.com/en/guides/situation-regionale-dubai/ ## In short In autumn 2026 Dubai's airports are open and most hotels and attractions are welcoming visitors. The region has remained unstable since the Iranian strikes on the UAE in the spring, however, and European governments do not all give the same advice. This guide brings together the facts, your own government's advice with the date of its latest update, and the precautions that follow for insurance, flights and daily life on the ground. ## What happened in 2026 - **28 February.** The United States and Israel strike Iran, which retaliates against Israel and against targets in countries across the region. For several weeks the UAE is targeted by missiles and drones, according to the Belgian Foreign Ministry. - **1 March.** Dubai International airport is hit; debris from interceptions also falls on several buildings in Dubai, including the Fairmont The Palm hotel and the Burj Al Arab, according to press reports. - **16 March.** The airport is hit again: a fire at a fuel tank leads to a suspension of flights. - **8 April.** A ceasefire takes effect. Sporadic attacks follow, including one on 4 May in Fujairah, another emirate. The toll reported by the press as of 10 May stands at at least 12 civilians killed and around 240 injured in the UAE. - **17 June.** The United States and Iran announce a memorandum of understanding intended to end the conflict. According to the Belgian Foreign Ministry, both sides have since said they no longer consider themselves bound by it. - **Since 8 July.** Iran has carried out strikes and retaliatory attacks in several countries of the region against US military and civilian infrastructure, according to the UK Foreign Office. - **18 August.** The UAE authorities say they were targeted by two missiles, one of which fell in their territorial waters; Iran denies it. - **10 September.** Dubai International, Al Maktoum (Dubai World Central) and Abu Dhabi airports are open. Visitor numbers have fallen sharply: Dubai received 6.97 million international visitors from January to August 2026, against 12.5 million over the same period of 2025, according to the DET (Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai's public tourism authority). ## What governments advise Each country publishes its own travel advice. It is advisory and not binding. Foreign ministries do not all give the same advice. Here is your country's: (Depends on the traveller's country: see the table on https://sabaro-travel.com/en/guides/situation-regionale-dubai/) ## What it means for travellers ### Insurance Every government asks travellers to check their insurance before leaving: assistance, medical costs and repatriation, plus enough funds for emergencies. Cancellation questions are a matter for the travel agency or the insurer. If your government advises against non-essential travel, the first question for your insurer is whether the policy covers a trip in these circumstances. Sabaro recommends asking in writing before booking, whatever your nationality. ### Flights Governments mention the risk of airspace closing without notice. In practice, that means building in some slack: avoid a tight connection in Dubai on the day of an important commitment, keep travel documents up to date, have the means to extend your stay by a few days and follow your airline's messages. For any question about a flight, contact the airline and the travel agency. ### Registering with your government Most governments offer a traveller registration service, which sends security alerts and allows the embassy to reach you in a crisis. Register with your country's service and follow your embassy's messages on its website and social media. Before you leave, check your country's foreign ministry. ### If there is an alert NCEMA (the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, the UAE's national crisis management body) issues alerts and instructions, including on its X account. In an alert, follow these instructions and take shelter: you are safest inside a secure building, in an interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls and windows as possible. Stay away from security and military facilities, and never approach or touch drone or missile fragments. Keep phones and power banks charged. Emergency numbers in the UAE: 999 for the police, 998 for an ambulance. ### Photos and social media Photographing or filming the effects of the conflict is prohibited and prosecuted, especially impacts, fires, missile launches and debris. These bans, not always signposted on the ground, are strictly enforced: confiscation of equipment, fines, prison, exit bans or deportation. Taking and sharing images of the security situation is a criminal offence that leads to prosecution. Sharing or commenting on such images online counts too: the UAE media law applies to shares and likes. The usual bans still apply: government buildings, military sites, airports, ports and palaces must not be photographed, and people only with their consent. ### Places to avoid Keep your distance from several kinds of places: - military facilities and zones; - US and Israeli sites, and diplomatic sites; - energy installations, gas, oil and nuclear; - crowded places and major events, where extra attention is needed; - the disputed islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs, at sea. Gatherings and demonstrations are banned in the UAE, and participants can be arrested. ## Closures and reopenings Several well-known places are closed for the 2026-2027 winter. Position in October 2026: - **Burj Al Arab**: closed since April 2026 for an 18-month restoration, reopening announced for around October 2027, restaurants and tours included; - **Museum of the Future**: temporarily closed, reopening announced for the first quarter of 2027; - **Armani Hotel Dubai**, in the Burj Khalifa: closed since 1 April 2026, full reopening announced for March 2027; - **Park Hyatt Dubai**: closed since May 2026, reopening announced by the hotel for the first quarter of 2027; - **Ain Dubai** and **Fairmont The Palm**: Sabaro checks whether they are open at the time of booking. [Global Village](/en/events/global-village/) opened its season on 14 October 2026 and runs until 17 May 2027. The [Dubai](/en/dubai/) page presents the destination, and the guide [Visa and entry to Dubai](/en/guides/visa-dubai/) covers entry requirements. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is it dangerous to travel to Dubai at the moment? Governments give different answers: some advise against non-essential travel, others call for heightened vigilance or do not advise against travel. The advice table on this page shows your country's. All of them point to a risk of further attacks in the region and of sudden airspace closures. ### Will my insurance cover me if my government advises against travel? It depends on the policy. If your government advises against non-essential travel, get written confirmation from your insurer that your trip is covered, including assistance and repatriation. ### What should I do during a missile alert? Follow the instructions of NCEMA, the UAE's crisis management authority, shelter inside a solid building away from windows, and never approach or touch debris. Falling debris from interceptions is the main danger. ### Can I take photos in Dubai? Yes, of landscapes, beaches and tourist sights. It is forbidden to photograph impacts, fires, launches or debris linked to the conflict, as well as government and military buildings, airports, and people without their consent. Sharing such images online is also punishable. ### Are Dubai's airports open? Yes: Dubai International, Al Maktoum and Abu Dhabi were open in September 2026. Governments warn, however, that airspace can close at short notice.