UK holidaymakers are being urged to “maintain a high level of security awareness” at all times when travelling to the United Arab Emirates, following a new warning issued by the Foreign Office.
The warning comes as Emirates cancelled a number of flights to Dubai yesterday on (October 2), including one from London Heathrow, amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Lebanon, with fears “it could escalate quickly and pose risks for the wider region”.
In the latest update, the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office stated: “Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast. Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Read FCDO advice if you’re affected by a crisis abroad.”
The Foreign Office has warned Brits visiting the UAE that 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”.
While terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region which include references to attacks on western interests and UK citizens, Brits have been urged to stay aware of their surroundings at all times, particularly in public places and at public events.
Possible target areas may include: “residential compounds, military sites, oil, transport, aviation interests, crowded places, restaurants , hotels, beaches, shopping centres and places of worship.”
Emirates announced yesterday that they have cancelled all flights to and from Iraq (Basra and Baghdad), Iran (Tehran), and Jordan (Amman) on October 2 and 3 due to “regional unrest”.
The airline has confirmed that customers transiting through Dubai with final destinations in Iraq, Iran, and Jordan will also not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice.
Emirates have advised impacted customers to contact their booking agents or the airline directly while they continue to closely monitor the situation in the region and stay in contact with the relevant authorities regarding developments.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
All travel advice for the UAE can be found on the Foreign Office’s website here.
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