UAE halts all travel to Mali, tells citizens abroad to return without delay

In a notice issued on Tuesday, 9 December, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised all nationals to avoid travel to Mali with immediate effect.

The advisory reflects heightened anxiety over Mali’s volatile environment, which has drawn increasing international attention as global actors review the risks facing their citizens in the Sahel.

While the Ministry did not provide specific details about the threats prompting the decision, it noted that the circumstances posed significant risks to personal safety.

Officials said strict compliance with government instructions would help ensure the safety of nationals and allow for more efficient coordination during what they described as a period of concern.

The Ministry reiterated its call for caution, urging nationals to closely follow all advisories.

The latest directive adds to a growing list of international alerts linked to insecurity across parts of the Sahel as several governments reassess travel to the region.