The Foreign Office has urged Brits in Qatar to "shelter in place" as the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel sparks security concerns. In an update on Monday (June 23), the FCDO wrote on its website: Following a US security alert for US nationals in Qatar, out of an abundance of caution, we recommend that British nationals in Qatar shelter in place until further notice.

"Follow instructions from local authorities. The FCDO is in contact with local authorities and international partners, and will provide further updates as the situation develops." The short update came just a few hours after the US Embassy in Qatar emailed its own "shelter in place" alert to Americans in the country.

Despite the UK and US both issuing warnings, Doha maintains the updates do "not necessarily reflect the existence of specific threats".

In a statement, Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: "The security situation in the country is stable.

"The relevant authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are ready to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors".

According to gov.uk data in July 2024, around 20,000 British nationals live in Qatar, with over 600 British companies operating locally.

Qatar has the largest US military base in the Middle East, Al Udeid Air Base, with around 10,000 US troops based there.

As well as Qatar, a number of other countries have travel warnings on the FCDO site since the weekend, including the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

A statement reads: "Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran have the potential to deteriorate further, quickly and without warning including since US military strikes against Iran on June 22. There is a possibility of travel disruption, including short-notice airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights, and other unanticipated travel impacts.'

It adds that British tourists are encouraged to "read the FCDO's advice on if you're affected by a crisis abroad" and to "monitor local and international media for the latest information".