Amid rising regional tensions and high-level security warnings from Tel Aviv, Israeli tourists are continuing to travel in large numbers to Dubai, defying official travel advisories and reaffirming the city’s appeal as a popular destination post-normalisation.
According to the Israeli outlet i24NEWS, this steady stream of travellers comes just days after Israel began partially evacuating its diplomatic mission in Abu Dhabi, citing growing security concerns and what Israeli intelligence described as “genuine threats” to Israeli lives in the UAE.
Security Alerts and Diplomatic Withdrawal
i24NEWS reported that Israel’s ambassador to the UAE, Yossi Shelley, along with several senior embassy staff, were recalled following intelligence assessments warning of “possible retaliatory attacks by terrorist groups” targeting Israelis in the Gulf. This threat, Tel Aviv claims, is tied to Israel’s war on Gaza and the mounting Arab public rejection of normalisation.
While Israel’s Foreign Ministry maintained that its diplomatic mission remains “open,” it did not deny the downsizing of personnel or the temporary downgrading of its diplomatic presence—framing the move as part of broader “precautionary measures.”
The Israeli National Security Council has since issued a Level 3 travel advisory for the UAE, urging Israelis to avoid non-essential travel. The advisory cited “heightened threats from hostile actors, especially during religious holidays and public events.”
Dubai’s Allure Overpowers Caution
Despite the warnings, flights between Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv and Dubai International Airport remain busy. Footage published by i24NEWS showed long lines of Israeli travellers preparing for takeoff—many torn between legitimate concern and the excitement of holidaying in Dubai, a destination that has grown increasingly popular since the so-called Abraham Accords.
In Israeli social media groups dedicated to expatriates and travellers in the UAE, heated debates emerged over the risks. While some advised shortening trips or avoiding crowded public spaces, others remained steadfast, refusing to alter their summer plans.
One traveller told the outlet:
“We’re following the news, but on the ground things don’t feel as dangerous as reported. Dubai still feels relatively safe—we just hope it stays that way.”
The Ambassador Controversy: Misconduct and Emirati Displeasure
Security threats are not the only source of strain. According to Hebrew media, a diplomatic rift has been growing between the UAE and the Israeli government, centred around what has been described as “inappropriate behaviour” by Ambassador Yossi Shelley.
Yedioth Ahronoth revealed that the UAE leadership, including President Mohammed bin Zayed, formally expressed dissatisfaction with Shelley’s conduct and requested that Israel terminate his posting.
Channel 12 quoted well-informed sources saying that Emirati officials conveyed, through unofficial channels, their rejection of Shelley’s continued presence, describing his behaviour as “incompatible with diplomatic norms.” The nature of his misconduct was not publicly detailed.
Initially, the Israeli government ignored these requests. However, individuals close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have reportedly begun seeking alternative positions for Shelley, either within the diplomatic corps or elsewhere in government—suggesting that a recall may be forthcoming.
Underlying Diplomatic Tensions
It is worth noting that the UAE had previously rejected Shelley’s appointment in 2023, citing concerns over his past record, especially during his time as ambassador to Brazil. Nonetheless, Netanyahu insisted on pushing his nomination through, ignoring Emirati objections. This led to a troubled start to Shelley’s tenure in Abu Dhabi.
This latest episode marks just one in a growing series of unacknowledged tensions between the two regimes, despite ongoing economic and tourism relations. It underscores the fragility of the normalisation project, often polished in official rhetoric but increasingly strained in practice.
Are UAE-Israel Relations Headed Toward Retraction?
Against this complex backdrop, a central question emerges: Can UAE-Israel relations withstand the growing list of crises, or is a more restrained phase of engagement on the horizon?
While Israeli tourism to Dubai continues for now, it does so amid rising risks. The summer of 2025 may prove to be the true test of this fragile bridge built in the wake of the Abraham Accords—a bridge that may yet collapse under the weight of shifting regional dynamics, or be held together by mutual economic interests.
