There is a threat to the safety of Australians in hotels in Dubai, the Australian government has warned.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued a very specific warning in the early hours of Saturday, Australian time.
“We have reason to believe there are heightened risks around hotels in Dubai, including an ongoing threat in the vicinity of Le Meridien hotel on Airport Road, Dubai,” the department revealed via Smartraveller.
The department has already issued a “do not travel” warning for the UAE, which includes layovers or even transiting through Dubai International Airport.
“If you can secure a flight out of the UAE and it’s safe to travel to the airport, leave now while commercial flights are available. Don’t wait until it’s too late,” the warning says.
Australia and the UAE have close co-operative ties, and Australia has sent ‘defensive’ military hardware to the country as Iran bombs its regional neighbours.
The UAE’s Ministry of Defence announced air defence systems had intercepted six ballistic missiles and nine drones on Friday local time.
Eleven people were killed by the attacks on Friday, the ministry says; Two UAE defence personnel died, a Moroccan defence contractor, and eight civilians from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Palestine. A further 171 people were injured, a Ministry of Defence spokesperson said.
A statement from the Australian embassy in the UAE this week cautioned people against filming and posting footage of missile or drone strikes.
“UAE authorities have warned that recording, sharing or publishing images or videos of missile or drone interceptions, including falling debris or resultant damage, violate UAE laws,” the warning says.
“These laws are being actively enforced, and have resulted in the arrest of some foreign nationals in recent days.
“Australians in the UAE are subject to local laws and regulations, and should not capture, share or post such footage.”
