LONDON: The UK Foreign Office has begun preparing contingency plans to evacuate thousands of British citizens from the Middle East amid growing fears of conflict in the region.
According to UK officials, over 76,000 British nationals have registered their presence in the affected areas, although estimates regarding the actual number of British citizens in Gulf countries vary.
Reports suggest that more than 50,000 British citizens are currently in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with the majority being tourists or temporary visitors. Dubai, a major tourist and business hub, has closed its airspace, leaving many individuals stranded and unable to arrange a return to the UK.
The UK Foreign Office has issued travel advisories urging British nationals to avoid all travel to Iran, Israel, and Palestine, as well as to refrain from non-essential travel to Gulf countries, including the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Special caution has also been advised for travel to certain regions of Pakistan.
In Saudi Arabia, the British ambassador has advised citizens to stay indoors and remain vigilant, while those in Jordan, Oman, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq have been urged to exercise extreme caution in light of the escalating tensions.
