By Eric Vandenbroeck and co-workers
Israel has reportedly
told the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that Iran is
planning to launch short-range missiles towards the country and has sent
advanced weapons systems, including a newly operational laser-based air defense
system, to help counter Iranian missile and drone attacks.
The report said that
Israel also rushed a surveillance system called Spectro, which can help the UAE
to detect incoming drones. Earlier this week, reports indicated that Israel had
also sent an “Iron Dome” air defense system to the Gulf country, along with
personnel. This comes after Iran reportedly launched more than 500 ballistic
missiles and over 2,000 drones toward the UAE. Israel's help to the UAE is
being seen as relations between the two nations amid Israel and the UAE after
the Abraham Accords. It was signed in 2020, alongside Bahrain, with US
mediation.
UAE issues travel ban
The UAE has banned
its citizens from travelling to Iran, Lebanon, and Iraq, and urged its nationals currently
in those countries to leave immediately and return home, citing
"current developments witnessed in the region.” The announcement was made
in a foreign ministry statement on Thursday (Apr 30). The ministry urged citizens “currently
present in these countries” to leave immediately and return to the UAE “at the
earliest opportunity,” citing the government’s commitment “to monitoring the
well-being of its citizens abroad and ensuring their safety.” “In light of the
current developments taking place in the region, the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs announces a travel ban for citizens of the United Arab Emirates to the
Islamic Republic of Iran.
In light of current
regional developments, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA)
announces a travel ban on UAE nationals traveling to the Islamic Republic of
Iran, the Lebanese Republic, and the Republic of Iraq. The Ministry calls on
all UAE nationals currently in these countries to expedite their immediate
return to the UAE.
As part of the UAE’s
commitment to the well-being of its nationals abroad and ensuring their safety,
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscores the importance of adhering to all
instructions and advisories it issues. Furthermore, the Ministry urges UAE nationals
in Iran, Lebanon, and Iraq to contact the Ministry as part of the precautionary
measures taken by the UAE to safeguard the well-being of its citizens.
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