Britons in or travelling to the United Arab Emirates are facing a greater risk of being targeted in terrorist attacks, the Foreign Office has warned.
The FCDO updated its travel advice for the UAE on Monday (25 March) "to reflect [a] changed threat level" in the Gulf state, stressing "terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in the UAE".
"Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region," said the FCDO. "These include references to attacks on western interests, including against UK citizens.
"Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners."
The FCDO highlighted a number of potential targets, including transport, aviation interests, crowded places, restaurants, hotels, beaches, shopping centres and places of worship.
It is advising travellers "maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places and at public events".
Late last October, the FCDO issued similar advice, warning terrorists were "very likely" to carry out attacks in the UAE and Kuwait.
A more general FCDO terror advisory remains in place, which reads: "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."
The FCDO has also updated its travel advice for the UAE to reflect the current conflict in the Red Sea and wider Middle East region.
"Military activity is currently under way in response to attempts by Houthi militants to prevent movement of international shipping in the Red Sea," said the FCDO.
"While the area of activity is limited to the Red Sea and Yemen, there is a possibility that travel advice for nearby countries could change at short notice. You should continue to monitor travel advice and follow any relevant instructions from local authorities."
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