Israel warns citizens of increased terror threats in UAE

In recent weeks, the National Security Council (NSC) of Israel has reiterated its travel warning for the United Arab Emirates as a result of increased threats from terrorist organizations. The NSC's attention to the UAE comes in light of intelligence indicating that groups such as Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, and Global Jihad have heightened efforts to target Israelis and Jews abroad. This warning is particularly relevant following 'Operation Rising Lion,' a conflict that took place in June and involved Israel and Iran, leading to a resurgence of anti-Israel sentiment in various regions. The NSC specifically pointed to a potential surge of revenge attacks from these terrorist groups, especially around Jewish holidays and on Shabbat. The overall context includes rising tensions due to the ongoing Swords of Iron war in Gaza, alongside Hamas's attempts to promote a propaganda campaign that aims to stir anti-Israel hostility among the public. Given these alarming developments, the NSC maintains a level-3 alert for its citizens traveling to the UAE. In response to the warning, the NSC has advised Israelis to exercise extreme caution during their stay in the UAE. This includes maintaining awareness of their surroundings, avoiding public displays of Israeli or Jewish identity, steering clear of large gatherings of Israelis, and reporting any suspicious activities to local authorities. These measures are crucial as they aim to enhance the safety of Israeli citizens abroad during a period marked by potential threats. Complicating the security landscape further, in March, a significant legal event took place in the UAE with the sentencing of three Uzbek nationals to death for their involvement in the murder of Chabad Rabbi Zvi Kogan. This incident, which occurred in November 2024, has raised concerns about the capabilities and intentions of terrorist groups actively targeting individuals associated with the Israeli community abroad. These developments underline the critical need for vigilance among Israelis in the UAE. The overarching situation reveals a rising complexity and danger for Israeli travelers seeking safety while abroad, necessitating strict adherence to travel advisories and heightened alertness to their surroundings.