The US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the US Consulate General in Dubai on Saturday issued a shelter-in-place alert for all staff amid heightened security concerns, urging US citizens in the United Arab Emirates to do the same until further notice.

The notice advised US citizens to seek a secure location and remain indoors, urging them to maintain a supply of food, water, medications and other essential items.

It also advised them to monitor local media for updates, keep mobile phones charged, and stay in contact with family and friends.

On the same day, the US embassy in several countries, including Qatar, Jordan, and Bahrain, also urged staff and citizens to shelter in place.