The US Mission to the United Arab Emirates urged US citizens in the UAE to avoid locations associated with the Jewish and Israeli communities, including places of worship, in a statement on Friday.
The US Embassy cited awareness of information indicating threats towards the communities in the country as the reason for caution.
As of Wednesday, the State Department urged US travelers to the UAE to exercise increased caution due to the threat of terrorism and missile or drone attacks.
Last Thursday, Israel’s National Security Council issued an updated travel advisory for Israelis planning to visit the UAE and raised alert levels to Level 3. It urged those traveling in the UAE to avoid displaying Israeli or Jewish symbols. It also called on Israeli travelers to limit gatherings and avoid Israeli or Jewish institutions.
Israel also evacuated most diplomats from the country following the advisory. However, the Foreign Ministry said representatives in the UAE continue to operate at their embassy in Abu Dhabi and their consulate in Dubai in cooperation with local authorities.
This change comes in response to growing concerns about terrorist organizations, including Iranian factions, Hamas, Hezbollah, and global jihad groups, increasing their efforts to harm Israel.
These groups are believed to be particularly motivated by the recent war with Iran and the heightened anti-Israel sentiment since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.
Situation in Middle East has worsened following Hamas's campaign to pressure Israel
According to the statement, the situation in the Middle East has worsened, especially following Hamas's "starvation campaign" in Gaza, which aims to place international blame and pressure on Israel to end the war.
Historical trends show that terrorist groups often target neighboring countries, prompting the NSC to raise its alert on the risk to Israeli and Jewish targets in the UAE, the statement read. This threat is especially high during Jewish holidays, festivals, and Sabbaths.