UK authorities are continuing to issue ‘shelter in place’ warnings to Brits in countries across the Middle East amid the ongoing Iran war. The advice from the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) is in place for countries such as Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, which includes the popular destinations of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Iran is still launching retaliatory drone and missile strikes on targets in neighbouring countries across the region. Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest airport, was temporarily closed on Monday after a drone attack on a nearby fuel tank, while officials in the country said a Pakistani national was killed by missile debris in Abu Dhabi. The FCDO is advising all but essential to the UAE — which has a significant British expat community — amid the fierce conflict which has entered its third week.

Regarding the ‘shelter in place’ warning for the UAE, the FCDO says on its website: “If local authorities advise you to take shelter, stay indoors or move to the nearest safe building immediately. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure. Choose an interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible for additional protection.

“Limit your movements to essential journeys only. When travel is unavoidable, aim to move during daylight hours and avoid crowded venues. Always let friends or family know where you are and when you are travelling, and keep your mobile phone with you and charged.

“If you are away from your home or hotel, and an attack occurs or you receive an alert from the official UAE warning system, seek shelter in the closest building immediately.”

Similar guidance is also in place for countries like Bahrain and Qatar where the FCDO advises against all but essential travel too.

The department’s shelter in place warning for Qatar states: “Follow the instructions of the local authorities. If you receive a warning alert, hear the sound of interceptions or are advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection. Remain inside until the authorities confirm it is safe to resume normal activity.

“The Qatari Ministry of Interior publishes announcements on its social media channels.

“If you are moving around outdoors, take sensible precautions. Stay alert to developments.”

While for Bahrain, the FCDO says: “If staying in the Kingdom, follow the instructions of the local authorities. If you are advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection. You should not approach or touch any drone or missile fragments or unusual objects.

“We advise British nationals, wherever possible, to stay inside and limit movements to essential journeys only. Always let friends or family know where you are and when you are travelling and keep your mobile phone with you and charged.”

Fears the Iran war could spark a wider conflict were raised when an RAF base on Cyprus was hit by a drone, believed to have been fired by pro-Iranian militias in Lebanon or western Iraq.

There is no ‘shelter in place’ warning for Brits on the Eastern Mediterranean island, nor are people being advised against traveling.

However, the FCDO is warning regional escalation “poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption”.

Brits are being urged to take measures including monitoring local and international media for the latest news and sign up to local information alerts.

Meanwhile, there are no travel warnings for Greece which has helped boost the defences of neighbouring Cyprus following the incident at RAF Akrotiri.

The FCDO was contacted for comment.