Abu Dhabi: The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has enforced a travel restriction for Emirati citizens to Lebanon, citing the current security situation. This measure is aimed at safeguarding the safety and well-being of UAE nationals in light of the ongoing circumstances within the country.
In case of emergencies, UAE citizens are advised to reach out to the designated hotline. Additionally, they are encouraged to register for the ‘Twajudi’ service, provided by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which assists nationals abroad.
The UAE’s travel ban aligns with similar actions taken by Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain.
These nations have all cautioned their citizens to exercise vigilance due to recent clashes in the Ain El Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon. These clashes have prompted heightened travel advisories for the region.
Regrettably, the recent confrontations in the camp, which commenced on July 29, have led to the loss of at least 13 lives, primarily among militants. The conflict primarily involved the mainstream Fatah faction and extremist hard-liners.
Ain El Hilweh holds significant importance among Lebanon’s 12 Palestinian camps, accommodating roughly 80,000 of the estimated 250,000 Palestinian refugees in the nation, according to data from the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.