The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has upgraded its advice over the threat of terrorism in the United Arab Emirates from general to high.
A FCO spokesman said the decision to change the warning to its most serious has happened after new evidence came to light indicating the increased potential for problems.
The advice covers the whole of the UAE, including the holiday hotspots of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
It reads: “Attacks could be indiscriminate and could happen at any time, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers such as residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests.
“You should maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places.”