Dubai - The US consulate in the United Arab Emirates city of Dubai was closed to the public for security reasons on Monday.

"Based on security information specific to the consulate general provided by Dubai authorities, the US consulate general in Dubai will be closed to the public on January
21, 2009. This includes the suspension of routine American citizen services and visa interviews," the consulate said in a message posted to its website Monday.

The statement did not elaborate on the threat and did not say when the consulate would reopen.

In July, the consulate issued a caution to US citizens in the United Arab Emirates.

"Credible information indicates terrorist groups seek to continue attacks against US interests in the Middle East and North Africa. Terrorist actions may include bombings, hijackings, hostage-taking, kidnappings and assassinations," the July message, part of a worldwide caution, said.

The US message followed a similar message from the British Foreign Office in June.

"There is a high threat from terrorism" in the United Arab Emirates, the British statement warned. "We believe terrorists may be planning to carry out attacks in the UAE."

Dubai, which is increasingly becoming the financial centre of the Persian Gulf region, has had no significant terrorist incident. (dpa)