ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - The United Arab Emirates has banned its nationals from traveling to Iran, Lebanon and Iraq due to the current regional security climate, the Emirati Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday.

“In light of current regional developments, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces a travel ban on UAE nationals” to the three countries, the ministry said in a statement, urging Emiratis currently in those countries to return without delay.

“The Ministry calls on all UAE nationals currently in these countries to expedite their immediate return to the UAE,” it added.

The decision comes amid heightened regional tensions in recent months following the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran.

On March 2, 2026, the US State Department reiterated a warning its citizens not to travel to Iraq “for any reason,” citing risks including terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, and civil unrest, and ordered non-emergency government staff to leave the country.

The advisory noted that attacks by militant groups, including drone strikes and improvised explosive devices, occur across Iraq, including in major cities.

The UAE, which houses a signicant US military presence, was a key target for Iranian ballistic missiles and drone attacks during the regional conflict.

According to data published by the defense ministry, the UAE’s air defenses had engaged “a total of 537 ballistic missiles, 26 cruise missiles, and 2,256 UAVs” from Iran, before a two-week ceasefire took effect between Iran and the US on April 8.

Security concerns overseas were underscored on March 16, when the UAE condemned a drone attack on its consulate in Erbil that wounded at least two personnel, the second such incident within a week.

Abu Dhabi described the strike as a “terrorist” attack and a “flagrant violation of international law,” calling on Iraqi and Kurdistan Region authorities to investigate and hold those responsible accountable.

The attack came amid a series of drone strikes on Erbil, often claimed by Iran-aligned groups operating under the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, with Kurdish officials warning of escalating risks if such threats are not contained.