OMM Newsroom
The United States has renewed its advice for citizens to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, citing armed conflict, terrorism and an increased threat of attacks by Iran and Yemen’s Houthi group, Anadolu Agency reported.
The US Embassy in Riyadh and the US Mission to the UAE publicized updated State Department travel advisories on Saturday.
For Saudi Arabia, the embassy warned of “an increase in potential armed attacks by the Iranian-supported Houthis and Iranian efforts to target U.S. government officials in the region.” The advisory remains at Level 3, urging Americans to reconsider travel.
It also reiterated a warning against travel to Saudi Arabia’s border region with Yemen because of terrorism risks. Other concerns cited included restrictions on leaving the country and local laws governing social media activity.
For the UAE, the US mission said the advisory update reflected “an increase in potential armed attacks by the Iranian-supported Houthis.” It noted that Houthi attacks on Saudi civilian airports and critical infrastructure had caused civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions.
“The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area,” the advisory warned.
US government employees in the UAE need “special authorization” to visit military bases and critical energy infrastructure sites. Further adjustments to staffing may be made as security conditions evolve.
The advisory also warned of terrorist attacks with little or no warning, particularly at public venues and locations associated with Jewish and Israeli communities. It cited US aviation warnings covering the Gulf and Gulf of Oman region.
Americans were urged to monitor developments and prepare emergency departure plans without relying on US government assistance.
US President Donald Trump is said to be weighing renewed strikes against Iran, while intelligence officials have warned that Iranian plots against American personnel have reached “advanced stages.”
