(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The American embassy in the Capital will shut down for at least a day along with others in the Middle East, as the US warns Al Qaeda is planning an attack in the Middle East or North Africa this month.
The news has prompted a travel alert that will remain in place till the end of August, which recommends US citizens travelling or residing in the Middle East to take extra precaution, including signing up for State Department alerts and registering with local diplomatic missions.
A spokesman for the embassy in Abu Dhabi confirmed the embassy here was one of a long list of countries, including Baghdad, Cairo and Tel Aviv, that would close down for the day on Sunday, and maybe longer.
"The US Mission to the UAE will be closed to the public, including Consular services, on Sunday."
However, he did not respond to questions about how long the closure would last here.
The US State Department issued the worldwide caution on Friday, a day after announcing the majority of embassies in the Middle East would remain shut on Sunday.
The State Department said attacks were possible "particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, and possibly occurring in or emanating from the Arabian Peninsula".
"Current information suggests that Al Qaeda and affiliated organisations continue to plan terrorist attacks both in the region and beyond, and that they may focus efforts to conduct attacks in the period between now and the end of August," the travel alert said.
The alert warned of "the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure".
An "emergency message" from the US State Department, posted on the Abu Dhabi embassy's website, said further closures were possible.
"We may have additional days of closings as well, depending on our analysis."
The message said the embassy would take steps to ensure operations were undertaken in a safe environment.
"The Department has been apprised of information that, out of an abundance of caution and care for our employees and others who may be visiting our installations, indicates we should institute these precautionary steps."
However, the message refused to discuss the circumstances surrounding the closure in any detail.
"Beyond this announcement we do not discuss specific threat information, security considerations or measures, or other steps we may be taking."
The message gave general advice to stay away from areas where "large gatherings may occur".
"Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations."
Further advice for enhanced personal security included monitoring news stations, being aware of surroundings and events taking place in the local community. The message urged any Americans in Egypt to enrol in a safe travelling programme, through which people are sent security updates and government officials can easily contact them.
The State Department issued a major warning last year to American missions in the Muslim world about potential violence linked to the anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. The US ambassador to Libya and three other Americans were killed on the day, when militants assaulted a diplomatic post.
During the closure, citizens in need of help in Abu Dhabi should contact the duty officer on (02) 414-2200, while in Dubai the duty officer's number is (04) 309 4000.
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