UK Foreign Office updates travel advice for Brits entering the UAE

A warning has been issued by the UK Foreign Office to Brits planning to travel to popular tourist destinations in the United Arab Emirates.

The FCDO commented: “There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets.

“You should remain vigilant at all times. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region. These include references to attacks on Western interests, including against UK citizens.”

The warning extends to the whole of the UAE, spanning Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai, Fujairah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain.

Potential targets include residential compounds, military sites, oil, transport, and aviation. The FCDO also warns that crowded places, hotels, restaurants, beaches, shopping centres and places of worship could be affected.

It went on: “There is a risk of British nationals getting caught up where local government or security forces are targeted. In many countries, as in the UK, the main threat is from self-initiated terrorists who are inspired by, but not directed or significantly supported by, terrorist groups. These terrorists are often self-radicalised, influenced by extremist content online, and could be motivated by a range of extremist ideologies. Their attacks are difficult to predict and disrupt and could happen in almost any country.”