United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer has thanked the United Arab Emirates for ensuring the safety of British nationals during escalating tensions in the Middle East, highlighting close cooperation between the two governments as regional instability intensifies.Starmer conveyed his appreciation during a telephone call with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as both leaders discussed the security situation across the Gulf and the implications of the widening confrontation involving Iran. The British leader acknowledged measures taken by the UAE authorities to safeguard foreign residents, including thousands of British citizens living and working in the Emirates. He described the circumstances as exceptional and expressed gratitude for what he characterised as the UAE leadership’s attention to the welfare of those nationals during a period of heightened uncertainty.
During the conversation, Starmer also condemned missile and drone attacks attributed to Iran against several countries in the region, including the UAE, warning that such strikes threaten sovereignty and undermine regional stability. British officials say protecting citizens abroad remains a central priority for the government as the conflict expands and disrupts travel, trade routes and civilian life across the Gulf.
The exchange between the two leaders took place amid broader diplomatic activity by London aimed at managing the fallout from the conflict and coordinating with partners across the region. The United Kingdom has maintained close ties with Gulf states for decades, and the UAE hosts one of the largest communities of British expatriates in the Middle East. Estimates suggest tens of thousands of citizens reside in the Emirates, forming a significant part of the wider British population spread across Gulf Cooperation Council states.
Regional tensions have risen sharply following military strikes and retaliatory actions involving Iran and its adversaries, triggering security concerns across several Gulf countries. Airspace restrictions, military deployments and heightened alert levels have disrupted commercial aviation and raised fears about the safety of foreign nationals in strategic transit hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
British authorities have been monitoring the situation closely while maintaining regular communication with regional partners. Diplomatic engagement has focused on preventing the crisis from spreading further and protecting key infrastructure, including energy facilities and international shipping lanes that pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The narrow waterway is one of the world’s most important routes for oil shipments, and any prolonged disruption could have global economic repercussions.
Starmer and Sheikh Mohamed emphasised the need to prevent further escalation and called for efforts aimed at stabilising the region. Both leaders stressed that diplomatic engagement remains essential to avoiding a broader conflict and preserving security in the Gulf, where international trade and energy markets remain closely intertwined.
The UAE president thanked the United Kingdom for its supportive stance during the crisis and acknowledged the importance of continued coordination between the two countries. Officials in Abu Dhabi have emphasised that maintaining the safety of residents and visitors remains a priority, particularly in cities that serve as major international business and aviation hubs.
London has simultaneously increased its diplomatic and military preparedness across the wider region. British defence planners have deployed additional assets and personnel to reinforce security arrangements at existing bases while monitoring potential threats to allied infrastructure. The move reflects a broader effort to deter attacks and reassure partners as the conflict’s impact spreads beyond the immediate theatre of hostilities.
Political debate in Britain has intensified over the government’s approach to the crisis. Starmer has argued that the country must balance support for allies with caution about entering a broader military confrontation. His administration has emphasised defensive measures and diplomatic initiatives while calling for restraint from all parties involved.
At the same time, British officials have stepped up consular coordination to assist nationals living across the Middle East. Government teams have been tasked with tracking developments affecting travel and safety, including disruptions to flights and possible evacuation scenarios should conditions deteriorate.
Relations between London and Abu Dhabi have evolved into a broad strategic partnership spanning defence cooperation, trade and investment. Gulf states have become increasingly important economic partners for Britain, while the Emirates hosts financial institutions, technology firms and multinational companies employing thousands of British professionals.
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