UAE warns citizens in UK to avoid protests amid violent unrest

The UAE has issued an advisory urging its citizens in Britain “to exercise the highest level of caution” due to the recent violent protests across many cities. The unrest follows a deadly knife attack on a group of children, which authorities say far-right elements have exploited to incite hatred.

Axel Rudakubana, a 17-year-old British-born suspect, has been accused of killing three young girls and attempting to murder another ten people, including eight children. The violence has spread to more than a dozen locations, with incidents reported in Manchester, Liverpool and other tourist hotspots.

The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned its nationals to avoid areas experiencing riots and protests and to steer clear of crowded areas. “The Ministry warns UAE nationals against visiting areas witnessing riots and protests, and to avoid crowded areas,” the ministry stated. Citizens have been advised to adhere to warnings from the UAE Embassy in London and monitor its social media accounts for updates.

pic.twitter.com/TjoGXkBYwl

— UAE Embassy UK (@UAEEmbassyUK) August 5, 2024

Protests, mostly involving a few hundred people, have continued across the country, resulting in attacks on police officers, looting and arson. Ethnic minorities have been targeted, and some mosques and Asian-owned businesses have been attacked. Over the weekend, a hotel housing asylum seekers was attacked, and projectiles were thrown at mosques. Yesterday, it was reported that headstones in a Muslim cemetery in Burnley had been desecrated with white paint.

Report: UK Labour makes U-turn, shields Netanyahu from ICC arrest warrants

False rumours about the teenager behind the stabbing being an immigrant with a Muslim-sounding name have fuelled the unrest. Nearly 400 arrests have been made, and the government has promised increased police presence and swift justice.

Other countries, including Nigeria, Malaysia and Indonesia, have issued similar travel advisories. Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged its citizens to avoid protest areas and remain vigilant, while the Australian government advised travellers to “exercise a high degree of caution” and avoid areas of unrest.

Late last month, the UAE embassy in Britain urged citizens to avoid crowded areas while visiting British cities. The embassy said it “urges UAE citizens in the United Kingdom to exercise the necessary precautions and avoid crowded areas in some cities.” In June, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned of the “high number of thefts” affecting Emiratis overseas, including in the UK.

Despite the widespread violence, London, the UK’s top destination for international travellers, has so far remained unaffected.

READ: What is behind the attacks on Muslims and migrants by far-right groups in the UK?