Around one in eight British residents in the United Arab Emirates have left the country since the start of Iran's regional attacks in late February, according to data cited by the Financial Times. Before the US-Israel war on Iran , roughly 240,000 Britons, including tourists, were in the UAE. Since then, about 30,000 British residents are estimated to be outside the country, representing between 10 and 15 percent of the long-term population, the report said.
Earlier reporting by The Independent suggests departures may be even higher when including visitors, with tens of thousands leaving the Gulf since early March as the conflict escalated.
The departures come as the UAE faced repeated missile and drone attacks, with Iran targeting multiple countries hosting US bases. According to UAE authorities cited by The Independent, more than 1,500 drones and hundreds of ballistic missiles were intercepted during the escalation.
Reporting by The Guardian, published before the recently announced ceasefire, described how the war had shaken Dubai’s image as a safe haven, with beach clubs, malls and hotels left unusually quiet as residents and tourists departed.
Residents reported frequent alerts warning of potential missile threats, while some strikes hit key infrastructure, including airport facilities and industrial sites. The paper said the conflict had undermined the “Dubai dream” that had attracted large numbers of foreign workers and investors.
Property agents in London also reported a surge in enquiries from UK nationals in the Gulf seeking to relocate, describing the conflict as an “abrupt reality check” for those drawn to Dubai for its perceived safety, according to The Independent.
Many British nationals initially left during the early stages of the war, when commercial flights were disrupted following US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Airlines later resumed operations, while the UK government also arranged evacuation flights.
Despite the outflow, analysts say many expatriates could return if the ceasefire holds and stability improves. Dubai-based security consultant Nigel Lea told the Financial Times that many had left temporarily to ease anxiety and manage schooling and childcare, with expectations that a large portion would come back.
Officials in the UAE have also sought to reassure residents, with Anwar Gargash saying the country remains well positioned for recovery once the conflict subsides.
Still, the war has dented the UAE's long-standing image as a stable hub for expatriates. Analysts cited by The Guardian warned that prolonged instability could have lasting economic effects, particularly across tourism, aviation and expatriate-driven sectors.