After the National Security Council issued an update on Thursday to its travel advisory for the United Arab Emirates, citing credible threats of terrorist attacks targeting Israelis, the foreign ministry announced that its missions to the United Arab Emirates are open on Friday.
The foreign ministry announced in a statement that it continues to operate at the embassy in Abu Dhabi and the consulate in Dubai in cooperation with local authorities, and this includes ensuring the protection of Israeli diplomats.
The embassy in Dubai had previously temporarily evacuated most of its staff, and Israeli citizens currently in the UAE were urged to exercise extreme caution.
The updated warning was based on operational intelligence indicating that terrorist operatives are already active in the UAE and are believed to be planning revenge attacks aimed at high-profile Israeli individuals and institutions.
Security officials said the warning reflects heightened concerns following Operation Rising Lion and ongoing incitement related to the food security situation in Gaza. According to the council, Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, and global jihadist groups are behind the threats because they have intensified their efforts to harm Israelis abroad. Israeli intelligence suggested that the UAE is a focal point.
Israelis in UAE told to proceed with extreme caution
Although the UAE was already under a Level 3 advisory, which recommends avoidance of non-essential travel, the revised warning reflects a more serious assessment of the situation.
Following intelligence pointing to planned attacks on Israelis in Abu Dhabi, authorities decided to evacuate most of the embassy’s staff. They are expected to return to Israel on Friday and will remain there until the council conducts a new security review and authorizes their return. Ambassador Yossi Shelley is also not expected to resume his post until next week at the earliest.
“It is important to follow the instructions of the competent authorities," Shelley said. "There is no reason to panic, but there is definitely a need to exercise increased caution and tighten behavioral guidelines abroad."
The National Security Council is urging Israeli citizens in the UAE to take steps to minimize their visibility, including avoiding public displays of Israeli or Jewish identity. Other recommendations include not wearing clothing with Hebrew writing, staying away from gatherings or visits to Israeli or Jewish institutions, and remaining alert at all times.
Citizens have been instructed to immediately report any suspicious activity to local security forces.