Last updated: 22 October 2026. We review this page every two weeks and whenever official travel advice changes.
Abu Dhabi is operating normally, but official risk levels are elevated. The airport, hotels and main attractions are open, and our desert safaris are running normally. The UAE is affected by the wider 2026 conflict between the United States and Iran, and official advice differs by country:
- The UK Foreign Office currently allows travel to the UAE without a warning.
- The US and Australia say to reconsider travel.
Flight disruption at short notice is possible. Read your government’s latest UAE advice when you book, and again just before you travel.
What Is the Current Situation in Abu Dhabi?
Conflict involving the United States and Iran started on 28 February 2026. During the peak of the fighting, the UAE was targeted by missiles and drones, and UAE air defences responded to the threats. A ceasefire took effect in June, but it broke down in early July, when strikes and retaliatory attacks resumed across the region.
The most recent incident involving the UAE reported by major news outlets was on 31 August 2026, when the UAE intercepted an Iranian drone over its territorial waters. No damage was reported. In mid-October, UAE officials described a diplomatic stand-off between the US and Iran and said the country is prepared if fighting resumes.
Day-to-day life in Abu Dhabi continues:
- Airports: Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Dubai’s airports are open, and Etihad, Emirates and flydubai are operating scheduled flights.
- Attractions: the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is open to visitors, and the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is confirmed for 3-6 December 2026.
- Desert safaris: all Xtreme Sightseeing Tourism safaris (morning, evening, overnight and Liwa) are running normally.
Why Is the UAE on High Alert?
The US State Department says Iran has publicly stated its intention to target locations in the UAE associated with the United States. This is why some governments advise caution and why UAE authorities keep air defences on high alert.
What Official Travel Advice Says
| Country | Current advice | Last updated |
| United Kingdom (FCDO) | Does not advise against travel to the UAE. Warns of regional strikes since July and possible short-notice flight disruption and airspace closures. | Updated 24 July 2026; confirmed current 21 October 2026 |
| United States | Level 3: Reconsider Travel | 29 August 2026 |
| Australia | Reconsider your need to travel | [add date from Smartraveller] |
| Germany, other EU countries, India | Check the latest UAE guidance from your foreign ministry (links below). | – |
Official advice pages:
- UK FCDO
- US State Department
- Australia Smartraveller
- Germany, Auswärtiges Amt
- Ireland DFA
- Government of India (MEA)
Travel insurance: some policies don’t cover travel against your government’s advice. Check yours before you book.
Are Flights to Abu Dhabi and Dubai Operating?
Yes. Etihad flies to Abu Dhabi, and Emirates and flydubai fly to Dubai, from many cities. Some European airlines paused their UAE routes this year and are now returning:
| Airline | Status (as of 21 Oct 2026) |
| Air France (Paris → Dubai) | Resumed 10 September 2026 |
| Lufthansa (Munich, Frankfurt → Dubai) | Resuming 25-26 October 2026 |
| SWISS (Zurich → Dubai) | Resuming 27 October 2026 |
| Eurowings (Berlin → Dubai) | Resuming 1 November 2026 |
| British Airways (London → Dubai) | Resuming 3 November 2026 |
| British Airways (London → Abu Dhabi) | Suspended. Check British Airways for the return date. |
| Austrian Airlines (Vienna → Dubai) | Resuming 12 December 2026 |
If your usual airline doesn’t fly to Abu Dhabi, Etihad and Emirates fly direct from many European cities, and many travellers fly into Dubai and continue to Abu Dhabi by road. Airspace closures can happen at short notice, so check your flight status before you leave for the airport.
Is Dubai or Abu Dhabi Safer?
Neither city is safer by official advice. Travel advice covers the UAE as a whole and doesn’t treat Abu Dhabi and Dubai differently. Both cities are under the same national authorities and air-defence system. Choose between them based on what you want from your trip, not on safety.
Is Abu Dhabi Safe for Indian Travellers?
The safety situation is the same for Indian travellers as for everyone else. Check the Government of India’s latest guidance and stay in touch with the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi while you travel. Abu Dhabi has a large Indian community.
If You’re Visiting: Practical Tips
- Before booking: read your government’s advice and check your travel insurance.
- Book flexibly: choose refundable or changeable flights and hotels.
- Register with your embassy’s traveller scheme (for example, STEP for US citizens).
- Follow local authorities: if there’s an alert, follow instructions from UAE authorities, go indoors and stay away from windows. Don’t touch any debris.
- Keep your phone charged and save the UAE police emergency number, 999.
Booking a Desert Safari Right Now
We know plans can change. If we cancel a safari for safety reasons, we rebook it free of charge or give you a full refund. If your flight is cancelled, you can rebook free of charge or get a full refund, as long as you let us know at least 2 hours before the safari’s start time. We can’t offer changes or refunds for your requests made less than 2 hours before the safari starts.
For more information on desert safari booking cancellations and refunds, Kindly refer our terms and conditions page
Message us on WhatsApp at +971 55 484 2001 if your plans change. You can also view safari prices and timings.
How We Update This Page
This page is written by the Xtreme Sightseeing Tourism team in Abu Dhabi and checked against official government sources. We review it every two weeks and update it the same day if official advice changes.
