The COP28 Summit takes place in Dubai 30 November to 12 December. If you are attending COP28, check the COP28 website for attendance requirements, including information on accreditation and visas.

All visitors to Dubai during this time can expect to see an increased security presence and road closures. The high number of attendees may create a pressure on availability of accommodation and transport.

Pre-planned and authorised demonstrations are likely, including within the summit area. Spontaneous or unauthorised demonstrations are illegal in the UAE.

Posting material online that is critical of the UAE government, companies or individuals or that is culturally insensitive, is illegal. [See Photography/Media section of local laws and customs for more information.]

A number of missiles and unmanned aerial systems (drones) were launched into the UAE from Yemen in early 2022, targeting infrastructure and high profile locations, some of which were in populated areas. TheMost vast majority of these missiles and drones were intercepted and destroyed but there were a small number of casualties. On 17 January 2022, the UAE authorities confirmed a Houthi attack on civilian facilities in Abu Dhabi, which caused the death of three civilians. On 24 January 2022, the UAE authorities announced that their air defence forces had intercepted and destroyed two Houthi ballistic missiles targeting the UAE and that there were no casualties. On 31 January 2022, the UAE authorities announced their air defence forces had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile targeting the UAE and that there were no casualties.

Further attacks are likely. If an incident does occur, you should monitor local media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities. See Safety and Security and Terrorism.

There is a possibility of an increased threat against Western interests, including against UK citizens. You should remain vigilant and keep up to date with the latest developments, including via the media and this travel advice.

It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

Around 1.5 million British nationals visit the UAE every year. Most visits are trouble-free.

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in the UAE. See Terrorism

If an incident does occur, you should monitor local media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities. See Safety and Security and Terrorism.

If you’re planning to travel with prescribed or over the counter medicines for personal use, you’ll need to meet the UAE’s specific requirements for your medicine to be allowed into the country. See Medication

The UAE is a Muslim country. Laws and customs are very different to those in the UK. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times. There may be serious penalties for doing something that might not be illegal in the UK. See Local laws and customs

You can contact the emergency services by calling 999 (police), 997 (fire) or 998 (ambulance).

If you’re in the UAE and need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the British Embassy in Dubai.