The UK has “temporarily” withdrawn the dependents of embassy staff in the United Arab Emirates “as a precautionary measure”, the Foreign Office said.
The update also stated that UK embassies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai would continue to operate as normal despite the decision made on the families of staff.
In an update to its travel advice, the Foreign Office said: “Due to the ongoing security situation, as a precautionary measure we have decided to temporarily withdraw the dependents of British Embassy staff from the United Arab Emirates. Our embassies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai continue to operate as normal.”
The decision comes after Iran’s retaliation attacks have seen the UAE targeted, which has included minor damage to hotels and airports since conflict began on February 28. Tension in the Middle East began after US and Israeli strikes on Iran saw the country respond with missile and drone attacks.
(Image: PA)
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UAE has been successful in dealing with Iran’s attacks, limiting incidents to debris from interceptions. Post online for many parts have shown business as usual in places such as Dubai.
Defence Secretary John Healey told MPs that 37,000 British nationals have been evacuated since the start of the crisis in the Middle East and “we will not stop until our people are safe”.
He said: “Many of us as MPs have constituents with friends and family that are caught in the region, worried for the safety of their loved ones, and the Foreign Secretary and the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) teams are working as fast as possible to get our people out of the region.
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“Three chartered flights have now taken off, with more to come this week.
“More than 170,000 people have registered their presence, which has allowed us to get them information and support and advice that they need.
“More than 37,000 British nationals have been evacuated since the start of the crisis response, and as the Prime Minister said last week, we will not stop until our people are safe.”
Healey also has confirmed that the first US bomber landed at RAF Fairford on Friday, after the UK gave the US permission to use British bases for specific defensive operations.
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