US warns against travel to UAE ahead of Herzog trip

The US is advising citizens not to travel to the United Arab Emirates over the threat of missile or drone attacks from Yemen-based Houthi rebels.

“The possibility of attacks affecting US citizens and interests in the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula remains an ongoing, serious concern,” the State Department says. “Rebel groups operating in Yemen have stated an intent to attack neighboring countries, including the UAE, using missiles and drones. Recent missile and drone attacks targeted populated areas and civilian infrastructure.”

President Isaac Herzog is set to travel to the UAE on Sunday, the first official visit by an Israeli president. He is slated to meet Abu Dhabi’s powerful Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, who invited him, and other top Emirati officials during the two-day swing.

Following a drone attack on the UAE this week that killed three workers, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett “ordered the Israeli security establishment to provide their counterparts in the UAE with any assistance” that could help to protect against future attacks.