Advice for British Nationals in the UAE: Safety Guidance and Key Information

Date Posted:Tue, 3rd Mar 2026

Directly from the British Embassy Consulate Team, here our responses to the most frequently asked questions:

1. Do we still need shelter in place? What exactly should we be doing right now?

Due to ongoing regional tensions, British nationals in the UAE are advised to shelter in place. You should stay indoors or go to the nearest safe building. Stay away from the windows. An interior stairwell or room with as few walls and windows as possible may offer additional protection. You should avoid travelling.

2. I'm trying to register my presence, but the link isn't working. What should I do?

We have heard reports of individuals struggling to use the Register Your Presence link on Facebook. Please use the link on gov.uk travel advice instead and try using a different browser. If this still doesn't work, please wait a few minutes and try again. The system is dealing with a really high volume of inquiries at the moment.

3. I can't find my passport. Can I still register my presence?

The answer is yes. You should use the passport number 123456789. If you have an expired passport, please use that number instead. After submitting, call us back in an hour or so and we can add a note to your case. If your passport is lost, you should be applying for an emergency travel document online.

4. I'm a dual national and entered the UAE using my non-British passport. Can I still Register My Presence?

The answer is yes, you should register your presence using your British passport details.

5. What should we actually be doing right now to stay safe? What are the basics we need to follow?

Follow advice from the local authorities only. Sign up to FCDO travel advice and receive email alerts. Monitor local and international media for the latest information. Stay away from areas around security or military facilities. Keep your departure plans under review. Make sure your travel documents are up to date. Shelter in place. Stay away from windows.

6. What should I do if I've been directly affected by an incident or explosion?

Please call 999 for police, 998 for ambulance, 997 for fire, or call 999 and ask to be redirected. If you need consular support as a British national, you can call us on +971 4 309-4444 for Dubai and +971 2 610-1100. If you are in another Emirate, you can call any of these numbers. We are available 24-7.

7. How do I access medial help or see an English-speaking doctor?

For emergencies, call 998 for the ambulance, or 999 and ask to be redirected. For non-emergency care, please check our list of English-speaking medical facilities in UAE.

8. I have run our of medication - what should I do?

Please check the delivery apps such as Careem, Talabat and Deliveroo to see if your medication is available for deliver to your location. While we advise to continue to shelter in place, if your health would be at risk without your medication, you should seek medical assistance.