Israel’s National Security Council (NSC) has issued a sharpened travel warning for Israelis planning to visit or reside in the United Arab Emirates, citing an increased risk of terrorist attacks linked to ongoing Middle East tensions.
In a statement released Thursday, the NSC specifically pointed to threats from Iranian-backed groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and other global jihadist networks, warning that these actors may attempt to target Israeli and Jewish interests in the Gulf State.
“They are driven by heightened motivation to exact revenge following Operation Rising Lion, in addition to the anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian incitement which has intensified since the start of Operation Iron Swords,” the NSC said.
The warning also referenced Hamas “starvation campaign” claims a reference to widespread criticism over Israel’s blockade of aid into Gaza, which the United Nations and humanitarian groups say is worsening the territory’s food crisis.
While the travel advisory level for the UAE remains at Level 3 which advises against non-essential travel the NSC urged Israelis to “seriously reconsider” visiting the country, particularly during Jewish holidays and Shabbat, when communal gatherings are more prominent.
“Past experience has shown that terrorist organisations often focus their efforts in neighbouring countries,” the statement added.
The UAE, which in 2020 became the first Arab state in three decades to normalise relations with Israel under the US-brokered Abraham Accords, has since witnessed a growth in its Israeli and Jewish communities. However, recent events have raised concerns.
In March 2025, a UAE court sentenced three men to death for the November 2024 killing of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, an Israeli-Moldovan citizen and representative of the Orthodox Jewish Chabad movement. The court ruled the murder was committed with a “terrorist purpose.”
Despite its generally secure reputation, the NSC’s update underscores that the UAE is not immune to regional spillover from the escalating conflict between Israel and groups in Gaza and Iran.
The Israeli government continues to face mounting international criticism over its conduct in Gaza, particularly regarding the humanitarian blockade and its broader military campaign.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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