New advice over travelling to the UAE, including Dubai, was issued yesterday as a result of missiles being launched from Yemen into neighbouring Saudi Arabia.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said in a revised travel advisory: “In 2018, numerous missiles have been launched into Saudi Arabia from Yemen, the vast majority of these have been intercepted and destroyed but there have been a small number of casualties.
“Claims have been made in public media suggesting that there may also be attempts to target missiles at the UAE.
“In the event of any incidents, you should monitor local media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities.”
More than 1.5 million British visitors travel to the UAE every year and more than 100,000 British nationals are resident there, with most visits trouble-free.
Dubai is currently engaged in a diplomatic dispute with fellow Gulf country Qatar and tourists are also warned against speaking in support of the Qataris on social media.
The UAE authorities have announced the suspension of diplomatic relations with Qatar, with all air and sea points of entry between UAE and Qatar closed on June 6 last year.
It was announced the following day that, “showing sympathy for Qatar on social media or by any other means of communication is an offence.
“Offenders could be imprisoned and subject to a substantial fine.”
The FCO continues to warn that terrorists “are likely” to carry out attacks in the UAE.
“Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners.”