UAE Bans Travel to Mali and Urges Citizens to Return Home Immediately
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced an immediate ban on travel by its citizens to the Republic of Mali, citing a sharp deterioration in security conditions in the West African country. In a statement released on December 9, 2025, the ministry said that Emiratis currently in Mali should arrange their return as soon as possible and register with the ministry’s 24/7 support service. While specific threats were not detailed, diplomats in the region point to escalating clashes between government forces and rebel groups, which have already led the EU and several airlines to revise risk assessments for Malian airspace.
The ban has a direct impact on many international companies based in the UAE, as employee travel to Mali for projects in the energy, mining, and humanitarian sectors must be suspended. For those still present in Mali, companies are required to activate security protocols. Although the recommendations do not specifically apply to foreign residents of the UAE, employers have been advised to conduct similar risk assessments for all travelers regardless of nationality.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also emphasized that citizens can receive real-time updates through the “Twajudi” mobile application, which was updated this year and now includes biometric verification features. Under these conditions, companies are obliged to closely monitor changes in entry regulations for West Africa to ensure the safe movement of their employees.
