Is it safe to travel to Dubai? Foreign Office warning over claims missiles could target UAE
The Foreign Office have issued a warning warned about claims the coastal spot could be targeted by missiles from Yemen
DUBAI has become a hugely popular holiday destination among Brits in the last few decades.
But for any UK nationals looking to head to the city this summer, the Foreign Office have warned about claims the UAE's coastal spot could be targeted by missiles from Yemen.
The FCO has issued new advice over travelling to the country as a result of missiles being launched from Yemen into neighbouring Saudi Arabia.
The statement reads: "In 2018, numerous missiles have been launched into Saudi Arabia from Yemen, the vast majority of these have been intercepted and destroyed but there have been a small number of casualties.
"Claims have been made in public media suggesting that there may also be attempts to target missiles at the UAE.
"In the event of any incidents, you should monitor local media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities."
More than 1.5 million British visitors travel to the UAE every year and more than 100,000 British nationals are resident there, with the vast majority of visits trouble-free.
But holidaymakers are reminded to take sensible precautions to protect themselves and also to respect the rules of the strict Muslim country.
Tourists regularly get into trouble with the law for what would seem to be a minor offence here in the UK.
For instance, back in 2010 a British couple made headlines around the world after they were arrested for smooching in public.
Locals dubbed the PDA as a violation of the country's decency laws after kissing on the mouth in a restaurant.
Ayman Najafi, 24 and Charlotte Adams, 25 appealed their conviction stating it was a mere peck on the cheek, but they lost their appeal and were sentenced to a month in jail before being deported.
Dubai is currently engaged in a diplomatic spat with fellow Middle Eastern country Qatar and tourists are also warned against speaking in support of the Qataris on social media.
The UAE authorities have announced the suspension of diplomatic relations with Qatar, with all air and sea points of entry between UAE and Qatar closed on June 6 last year.
The following day, it was announced that, "showing sympathy for Qatar on social media or by any other means of communication is an offence. "Offenders could be imprisoned and subject to a substantial fine."
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Brit Scott Richards was detained for three weeks in Dubai after sharing a Facebook post that the UAE authorities did not approve of.
The dad-of-two shared the post which promoted a drive to buy blankets for refugees in Afghanistan while holidaying in the UAE.
He was arrested under laws that ban donations or advertising of charities that are not registered in the country.
Richards was released on bail before prosecutors decided to drop the case in 2016.