The UK Government has issued a “terror attack” warning, telling Brit travellers that terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
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, warns the Foreign Office. People have been told to stay aware of their surroundings at all times.
On its website, the FO has warned: “Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals.
(Image: Getty Images)
“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. Due to increasing regional tensions, Israeli and Jewish linked sites could be targets for terrorists in the UAE.”
Targets may include:
- 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,” it added.
Warnings over sexual assault have also been issued. The FO said: “Take care when walking or travelling alone or at night, particularly if you are a woman. Use a reputable taxi company and do not accept lifts from strangers.
“Sexual assault and rape are relatively rare but do happen. A man who is convicted of raping a woman will be given life imprisonment, and in some cases prosecutors may request the death penalty. However, UAE law places a high burden of proof on the victim to demonstrate that the sexual relations were not consensual, especially when the victim had consumed alcohol or where the alleged attacker was known to the victim.
“If the sexual relations are determined to have been consensual, either party may still face prosecution for the offence of sex outside marriage.”
It comes after the Bondi Beach terror attack left 15 victims dead. Authorities charged Naveed Akram with orchestrating Australia’s deadliest shooting since the 1990s. The younger Akram, who was critically injured by police during the incident, has regained consciousness from a coma and now faces 59 charges following what authorities have labelled as an ISIS-inspired anti-Semitic attack.