Dubai travel advice: What global tourists should know after the Israel-Iran conflict
Despite escalating tensions in the Middle East following military exchanges between Israel and Iran, US airstrikes in Iran travel to
Dubai
remain largely unaffected, as daily life there continues. Flights operate normally, and international advisories maintain moderate risk assessments.
After the June 13 outbreak of hostilities, which included airstrikes from Iran and Israel and subsequent US military intervention targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, neighbouring countries such as Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Israel temporarily closed their airspace.
Also Read:
Emirates issues travel guidelines for DXB as 30,000 passengers expected daily during June summer holidays
In response, major carriers including Emirates, Etihad, and Flydubai adjusted flight paths to use southern corridors over Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Sea. Though some delays occurred, widespread cancellations have been avoided.
UAE
airspace remains open, and airports in Dubai, including Dubai International (
DXB
) and Al Maktoum (DWC), are functioning normally.
Live Events
Domestic passengers from Dubai are also seen in large numbers. According to an Emirates travel advisory, they expect to ferry more than 30.000 passengers daily from the DXB airport from June 26 to 30.
The UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security activated emergency protocols to maintain immigration, baggage handling, and ground services in anticipation of potential diversions or delays. Daily life in Dubai continues uninterrupted, with hotels, public transport, and events operating as scheduled.
Foreign governments have updated their advisories but have stopped short of issuing 'do not travel' warnings. In a statement updated on 22 June, the UK government states that travel disruption is possible, including short-notice airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights, and other unanticipated travel impacts.
Travellers are urged to remain vigilant, monitor media updates, and follow local authority guidance.
The US government notes that visitors 'generally find a safe and secure environment in the UAE', and no travel warnings exist. A broader Middle East security bulletin, issued on Thursday, 12 June, advises US citizens to 'exercise increased caution' and warns of the potential for travel disruption or security risks, but there's no suggestion that the UAE, or Dubai specifically, is unsafe to visit.
The most recent bulletin, published on Monday, 23 June, suggested the potential for demonstrations against US citizens and interests abroad. The Department of State advises US citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution.
India, one of the UAE's largest travel partners, has not issued any restrictions. Air traffic between the two countries continues as usual. Similarly, Canada and Australia have advised citizens to exercise caution but have not discouraged travel to the UAE.
Regarding travel insurance, travellers are reminded that most standard policies do not cover disruptions caused by conflict unless a government formally advises against travel.
Also Read:
How Dubai's 20 minute city plans to keep you walking; even in 45°C heat
Those seeking added protection may consider 'Cancel For Any Reason' (CFAR) policies, which provide partial refunds and require early purchase.
Still, if you are wondering if you can visit Dubai, it remains open and accessible, with robust infrastructure and minimal disruption to tourism and aviation.
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Indian Express
21 hours ago
- Indian Express
‘For 13 days, we were beaten with knives, belts'
I had never imagined that my dream to go abroad would turn into a near-death experience. With only a small stretch of land in our name, my family had been farming on leased land for the past few years. But the income wasn't enough. We started to think of going abroad to build a better future, like many others in our village. It was in April this year when my family and I approached Dheeraj Atwal, a travel agent from Hoshiarpur. He had already sent my younger brother to Dubai a few months earlier, and we trusted him. I told him I wanted to go to the UK, where some of my relatives live. But he suggested Australia, saying there was a special migration scheme and promised to get me a visa, a direct flight to Australia, and a work permit within a month for Rs 18 lakh. My parents arranged the money by borrowing from relatives and taking loans at high interest rates, and we handed over the amount. On April 25, Dheeraj called me to Delhi as my flight was scheduled from Delhi to Australia. But then he put me up in a hotel, saying flights were delayed. For five days, I waited, and he told me thrice that the flight had been cancelled or delayed. Then, early morning on April 30, I was put on a flight — not to Australia, but to Dubai. Another young man, Husanpreet, 27, from Punjab's Dhuri area (District Sangrur), was sent with me. He had paid the same amount. We waited for seven hours at Dubai airport, and from Dubai, we were put on a flight to Tehran, Iran. We reached there the same evening. Our agent told us that from Tehran we would be flying to Australia on May 1. After we landed at Tehran airport, Atwal told us the flight to Australia was delayed and would now leave on May 3. Later, another person, Jaspal from Punjab's Nawanshahr, also joined us. He had been sent by the same agent to Tehran on another flight from Dubai. Atwal then asked us to leave the airport and go with his men. When we insisted on staying at the airport, he said what we would do at the airport for two days and said local agents would pick us up and take care of us. He asked us to send him our airport photos so his men could identify us. Within minutes, two men approached us — showing the very photos we had sent. They spoke Punjabi and introduced themselves as Shera and Haji from Pakistan. We were wary but had no choice. Even Husanpreet's bag, which was inside the airport, was collected by them. The three of us were squeezed into a five-seater car along with Shera, Haji and the driver. After travelling for one and a half hours, they stopped the vehicle and brought in another cab, shifting Jaspal and Husanpreet to that one with a man named Sultan, an Iranian. I stayed with Haji. They said that it was difficult to sit in a single car. Haji soon asked for my phone. I refused. He then made me speak to Dheeraj, who told me to hand over the phone and switch off the location 'for security reasons'. I did. Then he took my passport too on the pretence of security reasons. We were driven for three hours to a village. I was the first to arrive and taken to a house that had iron grills all around and two gates. It had one big and one small room, a kitchen, and a bathroom. Inside were six to seven heavily built men speaking Punjabi and Persian. They said they were from Pakistan. I was literally scared as their looks were quite dangerous, and one of them was snorting drugs continuously through his nose. I was told to sit and wait. Once Jaspal and Husanpreet arrived, we were offered tea, but we refused. Then they asked us how much money we had. We didn't want to tell them, but they forcibly took our money — Australian Dollar 1,000 each from me and Husanpreet, and Euro 1,060 from Jaspal. They also took our bags, clothes, and everything of value. Our phones were already with them. In the late evening or maybe midnight, they started playing loud music and took us to the small room where they asked us to remove our clothes, and they tied our hands. They started beating us with belts and knives. I received five cuts on the back of both my thighs. Jaspal and Husanpreet were similarly injured. They recorded videos of our bloodied bodies and called our families, demanding a Rs 2 crore ransom. 'Pay, or we'll be killed,' they asked us to tell our families. My parents were terrified and said that the amount was too huge. Then they snapped the call, and the next day during the night, the same thing was repeated, and after three to four days, the kidnappers reduced the amount to Rs 1 crore, and then to Rs 54 lakh. But our families couldn't pay, as it was impossible after already paying Rs 18 lakh each to the agent. From May 1 to May 13, the beatings continued daily. They made us do sit-ups during the day, forced us into the murga (stress) position at night, hung us upside down, and tortured us with knives. They barely fed us and gave us almost no water. We were allowed to use the washroom only after two to three days. That's where we drank water in secret. Our injuries became infected. Blood oozed from our wounds. When they feared we might die, they then provided Betadine ointment to us. On May 13, they shifted us to another village, about 45 minutes away. Before the move, they gave us something toxic. We were feeling numb. Gradually, my vision got blurred, and the condition of Husanpreet and Jaspal also worsened. On May 17, the kidnappers kidnapped a group of 10-11 Pakistani youth who were going through the 'dunki route' to some European countries and Australia. That group was also brought to the same house, and now the kidnappers' focus shifted towards them because our families were not in a position to pay them. They made us listen to an audio of Dheeraj where he was telling them to kill us. Meanwhile, they made us pose as their accomplices in front of the newly kidnapped group and even forced us to beat the new group. They threatened to kill us if we refused. This practice went on for another two weeks until we were finally released from their clutches. On June 1, something happened that changed everything. One of the kidnappers, called Fauji, needed an app downloaded on his phone. He asked us for help, and Husanpreet volunteered. While downloading the app, Hussanpreet switched on the location of Fauji's mobile phone as it was an Android phone. After two hours of this incident, the Iranian Police and the local Criminal Investigation Department raided the place. They entered by mimicking Sultan's knock — a specific pattern he used on the door and the window. The kidnappers opened the gate, thinking it was Sultan. The police burst in and asked, 'Who are the three Indians?' I raised my hand first. Husanpreet and Jaspal followed. They immediately took us out and showed us some media reports with our photos and confirmed our identities. We all were rescued. The police arrested all the kidnappers, except Sultan, who wasn't staying there permanently. We were taken to the Indian Embassy in Tehran. They gave us shelter, food, medical treatment, and emotional care. We took a bath after almost 31 days. During our rescue process and our stay in the shelter, we got to know that around May 26 or 27, the Indian Embassy in Tehran got wind of our situation. And then several media reports were also published carrying the statements of our parents in Punjab. The local police in Iran then started an investigation. Meanwhile, the kidnappers had handed over Hussanpreet's iPhone to Fauji's girlfriend. The woman could not reset his phone, and she started using his phone as it is, because of which the police found her location and she was arrested along with her family. We stayed in Iran until our white passports were issued on June 14. Due to the Iran-Israel conflict, our return was delayed further. Finally, on June 23, two others and I came back to India. The Indian government and the Embassy saved our lives. But the Punjab government disappointed us deeply. Despite repeated pleas, they did not act promptly. Even the First Information Report (FIR) was filed late on May 17, while we were kidnapped on April 30. No timely action was taken against the agent. Our families had been running from pillar to post – approaching the police, politicians, anyone who would listen. But no one helped. Only after persistent efforts, an FIR was filed at Hoshiarpur's Model Town police station. It has been five days since we returned, but no one from the local police or the government has contacted us. My legs are still numb. I got an MRI and CT scan done. I don't talk much, as I'm mentally disturbed. But I wanted to share my story so that no other youth falls into this trap. As told to Anju Agnihotri Chaba
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Dubai Airport braces for massive summer rush with over 3.4 million travellers expected in just two weeks
Dubai International Airport ( DXB ) is preparing for a busy travel period, with more than 3.4 million passengers expected between June 27 and July 9, 2025. The airport is forecasting daily passenger volumes to exceed 265,000, with July 5 projected to be the busiest day for departures and transfers. To handle the surge, Dubai Airports and its partners have activated a summer readiness plan to maintain smooth and safe operations for all travellers. Also Read: China's first gaming GPU struggles to match 2012 graphics card, yet delivers a strong strategic message by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo This comes as some flight delays and cancellations are being reported across the region due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Live Events Despite this, DXB continues to operate normally and closely monitors the situation in coordination with airline partners and authorities. "The safety of all guests and employees remains our top priority," the airport said. Also Read: Emirates issues travel guidelines for DXB as 30,000 passengers expected daily during June summer holidays The DXB airport authority advised passengers to follow key steps for a smoother airport experience. These include arriving at least three hours before departure, using online check-in or self-service kiosks, and using smart gates and baggage drop services. Similarly, on June 25, Emirates also stated that they anticipate more than 30000 daily passengers in DXB during the summer break from June 26 to 30. The airline urged travelers to arrive three hours before departure, complete immigration 1.5 hours ahead, and reach boarding gates at least one hour before takeoff. Also Read: How Dubai's 20 minute city plans to keep you walking; even in 45°C heat In that statement, the DXB advised guests who are departing soon should follow these tips for a smoother airport experience: Families with children over 12 can use Smart Gates for quicker passport control. Arrive no more than three hours before departure. Use online check-in, self-service kiosks, and bag drop at DXB Terminal 3. DUBZ offers home check-in and baggage collection for added convenience. Stay updated on flights and gates with DXB Express Maps by scanning a QR code. Enhanced support for People of Determination includes accessibility routes, assistance for guests with Sunflower Lanyards, and an Assisted Travel Lounge in Terminal 2. Travelers can also enjoy various restaurants, duty-free shopping, and lounges at the airport.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Dubai travel advice: What global tourists should know after the Israel-Iran conflict
Despite escalating tensions in the Middle East following military exchanges between Israel and Iran, US airstrikes in Iran travel to Dubai remain largely unaffected, as daily life there continues. Flights operate normally, and international advisories maintain moderate risk assessments. After the June 13 outbreak of hostilities, which included airstrikes from Iran and Israel and subsequent US military intervention targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, neighbouring countries such as Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Israel temporarily closed their airspace. Also Read: Emirates issues travel guidelines for DXB as 30,000 passengers expected daily during June summer holidays In response, major carriers including Emirates, Etihad, and Flydubai adjusted flight paths to use southern corridors over Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Sea. Though some delays occurred, widespread cancellations have been avoided. UAE airspace remains open, and airports in Dubai, including Dubai International ( DXB ) and Al Maktoum (DWC), are functioning normally. Live Events Domestic passengers from Dubai are also seen in large numbers. According to an Emirates travel advisory, they expect to ferry more than 30.000 passengers daily from the DXB airport from June 26 to 30. The UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security activated emergency protocols to maintain immigration, baggage handling, and ground services in anticipation of potential diversions or delays. Daily life in Dubai continues uninterrupted, with hotels, public transport, and events operating as scheduled. Foreign governments have updated their advisories but have stopped short of issuing 'do not travel' warnings. In a statement updated on 22 June, the UK government states that travel disruption is possible, including short-notice airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights, and other unanticipated travel impacts. Travellers are urged to remain vigilant, monitor media updates, and follow local authority guidance. The US government notes that visitors 'generally find a safe and secure environment in the UAE', and no travel warnings exist. A broader Middle East security bulletin, issued on Thursday, 12 June, advises US citizens to 'exercise increased caution' and warns of the potential for travel disruption or security risks, but there's no suggestion that the UAE, or Dubai specifically, is unsafe to visit. The most recent bulletin, published on Monday, 23 June, suggested the potential for demonstrations against US citizens and interests abroad. The Department of State advises US citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution. India, one of the UAE's largest travel partners, has not issued any restrictions. Air traffic between the two countries continues as usual. Similarly, Canada and Australia have advised citizens to exercise caution but have not discouraged travel to the UAE. Regarding travel insurance, travellers are reminded that most standard policies do not cover disruptions caused by conflict unless a government formally advises against travel. Also Read: How Dubai's 20 minute city plans to keep you walking; even in 45°C heat Those seeking added protection may consider 'Cancel For Any Reason' (CFAR) policies, which provide partial refunds and require early purchase. Still, if you are wondering if you can visit Dubai, it remains open and accessible, with robust infrastructure and minimal disruption to tourism and aviation.
