UAE bans travel to Mali, urges nationals to return

The UAE has imposed a travel ban on Emiratis travelling to Mali following "concerning developments", urging those currently in the country to return at the earliest opportunity.

The ban follows recent conflicts in the country, including a siege by armed groups that cut off key routes and caused fuel shortages. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement released on national news agency WAM, has stressed the importance of adhering to its instructions and alerts, and exercising the highest levels of caution.

It further advised UAE nationals in Mali to contact the emergency hotline +971 800 24 for any assistance.