In a significant development, Israel’s National Security Council (NSC) has issued an urgent travel advisory for Israelis intending to visit or stay in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), citing an elevated threat of terrorist activities linked to the escalating conflicts in the Middle East. The warning highlights an increased risk, particularly from Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and other jihadist organizations, due to the broader geopolitical tensions affecting the region.
The updated travel advisory also draws attention to the controversial humanitarian situation in Gaza. Hamas has used this issue to bolster anti-Israel sentiments, criticizing Israel’s blockade of essential supplies, which has exacerbated the already dire food crisis in the territory. These claims, alongside mounting international criticism of Israel’s handling of Gaza, have become a rallying cry for extremist groups targeting Israel in the broader Middle East.
Although the UAE has maintained a relatively secure reputation as a tourist destination, the NSC’s warning encourages Israelis to reconsider their travel plans, especially during significant Jewish holidays and Shabbat. These are times when public gatherings are more frequent, potentially making such events targets for extremists. Historical precedents show that terrorist groups often capitalize on such occasions to carry out attacks, heightening concerns for Israeli travelers.
The NSC’s advisory sheds light on the changing security landscape in the UAE, which has not remained immune to the political and security shifts taking place across the Middle East. While the UAE was once considered a bastion of stability in a volatile region, the growing tensions between Israel and Palestinian militant groups, especially those with links to Iran, are now affecting even this traditionally secure destination.
The UAE’s diplomatic stance has also shifted in recent years, as it normalized relations with Israel through the landmark Abraham Accords in 2020. This agreement made the UAE the first Arab country in three decades to formalize relations with Israel, creating a more direct line for economic and cultural exchanges. However, this rapprochement has made the UAE a potential target for radical groups opposed to such normalization, particularly those who view it as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause.
In the wake of the Abraham Accords, the UAE saw a surge in Israeli travelers, businesspeople, and expatriates seeking to capitalize on the new diplomatic and economic openings. However, this growing Israeli presence has not gone unnoticed. Iran and its allied groups, particularly Hezbollah and Hamas, have expressed opposition to the UAE’s rapprochement with Israel, seeing it as part of a broader trend of Arab nations moving away from traditional solidarity with Palestinians.
The most recent evidence of the growing security concerns in the UAE came in March 2025, when three individuals were sentenced to death by a UAE court for the killing of an Israeli national in late 2024. The court’s ruling highlighted the terrorist motivations behind the crime, underscoring the risks faced by Israeli citizens even in traditionally safe areas.
The rising security threats come at a time when the UAE’s tourism sector is facing new challenges. The country has long been a magnet for international tourists, particularly those seeking luxury experiences in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. However, the National Security Council’s updated travel advisory is expected to have a tangible impact on the flow of Israeli tourists to the UAE. Given the heightened threat, Israelis may opt to delay or cancel their plans, opting for safer destinations until the situation stabilizes.
The effects of this advisory are likely to extend beyond Israeli travelers. The UAE, which relies heavily on tourism as an economic driver, could see broader regional consequences as well. Tourists from other countries may also hesitate to visit the UAE, concerned about the implications of increased tensions in the Middle East. The threat of terrorism in the region has historically discouraged international visitors, and the NSC’s warning only adds to those concerns.
Despite these growing risks, the UAE continues to invest heavily in its tourism infrastructure, aiming to attract visitors from all corners of the globe. It remains to be seen whether these efforts will be enough to maintain the country’s position as a leading global tourism destination, especially if security concerns persist.
For the UAE, the growing tensions between Israel, Gaza, and Iran create a precarious balance between its diplomatic relationships and its security priorities. As the UAE continues to strengthen its ties with Israel through the Abraham Accords, it finds itself caught between maintaining peace with its new ally and managing the risks posed by groups opposed to Israel’s presence in the region.
The updated travel advisory serves as a reminder that regional instability can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the countries directly involved in the conflict but also their neighbors and international communities. For Israelis, the updated warning underscores the importance of vigilance when traveling to regions affected by political instability.
The current situation highlights how even countries that were once viewed as neutral or safe can be affected by broader geopolitical shifts. As the Middle East continues to evolve, travelers must remain aware of the changing dynamics, particularly in areas that have become flashpoints in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian factions, as well as Iran’s growing influence in the region.
In conclusion, Israel’s National Security Council’s sharpened travel warning for the UAE reflects the growing concerns over security in the region amid escalating tensions. While the UAE has long been seen as a safe haven in the Middle East, recent developments have shifted the landscape, prompting Israeli authorities to issue a stern advisory for citizens to reconsider non-essential travel to the country. As the situation continues to unfold, travelers from Israel and beyond are advised to stay informed and exercise caution, particularly during times of heightened political and religious significance.
In a region where geopolitical tensions can quickly escalate, the risks for travelers remain high. The UAE’s traditionally secure image may no longer be a guarantee of safety, and Israeli travelers must weigh the risks before making travel decisions. The advisory not only serves as a cautionary note but also reflects the ongoing volatility of the Middle Eastern geopolitical environment and its impact on global travel trends.
