Despite its overwhelming glitz and glam, one popular holiday destination has been stung with a stark travel warning from the FCDO – here’s everything you need to know
An insatiably popular holiday destination has been slapped with a stark travel warning, following escalating tensions. Back in the 70s, the United Arab Emirates was seemingly worlds away from entering the tourist spotlight, mostly known for its lucrative oil industry and harsh deserts.
However, in recent years – the country has turned into one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the world. Cities such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai have rapidly transformed themselves into vibrant metropolises, home to impressive skyscrapers, huge shopping malls, pristine beaches and luxury resorts.
Despite its poor track record when it comes to human rights – especially amongst migrant workers – and freedom of expression, the UAE has become a bucket-list destination for Brits. However, tourists are now being urged to think twice before heading to the hotspot. The warning comes after a couple planned a Morocco trip ‘to sacrifice their five-year-old son in desert’.
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Last week (August 2) the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) updated its advice on travelling to the UAE. Here, it warned that terrorists are ‘likely to try to carry out attacks’ in the country.
“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 body states under its ‘Safety and Security’ page. “Due to increasing regional tensions, Israeli and Jewish linked sites could be targets for terrorists in the UAE.”
However, potential targets for terrorist activity aren’t just aimed at military sites and large infrastructure. The FCDO warns that the following may be subject to an attack following increasing conflict in the area:
- Residential compounds
- Military sites
- Oil
- Transport
- Aviation interests
- Crowded places
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Beaches
- Shopping centres
- Places of worship
“Maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places and at public events,” the body added. The FCDO also warns about risks including sexual assault, drink and food spiking, property scams, as well as strict alcohol rules. You can read the full report here.
While there are no travel warnings against visiting the country for either business or leisure, the FCDO urges Brits to stay up to date with events in the region following the ceasefire between Israel and Iran which began on June 24. It recommends monitoring local and international media for the ‘latest information’ and always checking to see if any transport disruption is still occurring.
If you’re heading to the UAE this summer, it’s worth checking the FCDO’s travel page before you fly. Closer to home, there’s a warning to Brit tourists planning all-inclusive holidays to Spain.
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