UAE Nationals in the UK Urged to Exercise Extreme Caution Amid Race Riots across Cities

UAE citizens in the UK have been advised to “exercise the highest level of caution” following a surge of riots and outbreaks of violence across numerous towns and cities.

In a statement issued by the UAE Embassy in the UK, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cautioned UAE nationals against visiting areas affected by the unrest. This follows similar advisories from Australia, Nigeria, Malaysia and Indonesia.

The disturbances erupted after the deaths of three children last week in a stabbing incident at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, North-West England.

The violence was fuelled by misleading social media reports claiming the main suspect was a Muslim asylum seeker.

Axel Rudakubana, 17, born in Wales to Rwandan Christian immigrant parents, has since been charged with three counts of murder and ten counts of attempted murder. Police have made hundreds of arrests in the aftermath of the killings.

In a statement released by the UAE Embassy on Monday evening, it was said: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges UAE citizens in the United Kingdom to exercise the highest level of caution and take necessary precautions, given the unstable security situation in various cities across the UK."

UAE citizens in the UK are also advised to register with the Twajudi service, which provides consular support. This warning follows an earlier advisory from the embassy to avoid crowded areas while in British cities.

The embassy did not specify the reasons for these measures. However, in June, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had alerted about the “high number of thefts” affecting Emiratis abroad, including in the UK.

On Tuesday, the British government announced that 6,000 specialist police officers are prepared to address the far-right violence, which led X owner Elon Musk to assert that civil war in the UK was inevitable.

Justice Minister Heidi Alexander criticised Mr Musk's comments on Tuesday, describing them as “deeply irresponsible”.
She added: “I think everyone should be appealing for calm.”

On BBC Radio 4, she mentioned that the government has allocated an additional 500 prison places and mobilised extra specialist police officers to manage any further violence on the streets.
"We will ensure that anyone sentenced to prison as a result of the riots and disorder will have a place in custody," she stated.

During the weekend, mobs threw bricks and flares, attacked police, burned and looted shops, vandalised cars and homes, and targeted at least two hotels housing asylum seekers in several cities.

On Monday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened an emergency meeting with ministers and police chiefs to discuss the situation.

The Home Office announced on Sunday that mosques would receive increased protection under a new “rapid response process” aimed at quickly addressing the threat of further attacks on places of worship.

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