The U.S. State Department has ordered nonessential government employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia, warning that hostilities between Houthi rebels and Saudi forces could “escalate rapidly.

The U.S. Department of State issued travel advisories to protect American citizens in Saudi Arabia. They maintain a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for Saudi Arabia, on a 1 to 4 scale.

The UK government will deploy RAF Typhoon jets to defend Saudi Arabia in response to escalating Houthi missile and drone attacks.

For the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is the next venue for two SailGP events in November, the U.S. agency has the region at Level 3 – Reconsider travel.

Formula 1 moved the Grand Prix scheduled for Bahrain, to the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia due to the conflict in the Middle East, and is believed to have placed Imola, Italy on standby if the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi GP, (4-6 Dec) event also needs to be relocated.

Both Formula 1 and SailGP have indicated that their remaining 2026 events in the area will go ahead as planned.

Insurance cover may be difficult.

Most standard travel policies deny claims for flight cancellations, extended stays, or extra hotel and food costs resulting from military strikes and airspace closures.

If you travel against official government warnings (eg UK FCDO) advice your travel insurance policy will be invalid.