Anti-racism protesters rally across UK

"Refugees welcome" was the message on the streets of tourist towns after a week of far-right riots

Last week, news sources reported that the UAE had joined the growing number of countries to issue safety warnings regarding travel to the UK following last week's far-right riots.

Nigeria, Malaysia, Kenya, Australia, Sweden, Indonesia, India and Hong Kong sent out alerts advising their nationals living in or visiting the UK to stay away from demonstrations.

In response to the riots, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer postponed his family holiday and formed a national policing unit to tackle the disorder.

The BBC has since reported that at least 927 people have been arrested in connection with the disorder, and almost half have already been charged.

Violent anti-immigrant riots took place across the UK, including in tourist hotspots such as Liverpool and Manchester (pictured), triggered by a stabbing attack at a Southport dance class that left three girls dead and more injured.

However, at the weekend, far-right protesters were replaced by thousands of peaceful anti-racism protesters who rallied in towns and cities across the country on Saturday 10 August spreading a positive message of welcome and inclusion, with banners reading "refugees welcome".

As perpetrators of the riots face swift sentencing, another stabbing has taken place in another tourist hotspot, Leceister Square in London. Not connected to the recent unrest, the incident involved the stabbing of a girl, 11, and a woman, 34, who were taken to hospital for treatment. The man thought to be responsible is already in custody and the Metropolitan Police are at the scene.

Currently, the only alert listed on the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs website pertains to the general risks of theft and fraud in the UK.

The alert reads: "For your safety, please be cautious and avoid crowded areas in some cities. Due to the high rate of theft, we advise against wearing valuable and rare items, keeping official documents in secure places at your residence, as well as dealing with accredited companies when booking cars and hotels to avoid scams and fraud."

The UK remains open to tourists and travel demand is strong.

For more information, visit www.mofa.gov.ae/en/travel-updates

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