DUBAI: The UAE has called on it citizens in Lebanon to return as soon as possible, the foreign ministry said in a statement on Sunday. “In view of the current events and based on the decision to prevent UAE citizens from traveling to Lebanon, which coincided with the Emirates’ decision to withdraw its diplomats from Lebanon, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation calls on all its citizens in Lebanon to return to the UAE as soon as possible,” the statement said. The UAE on Saturday said it was withdrawing its diplomats from Lebanon and banned its citizens from visiting the country, in solidarity with Saudi Arabia in response to comments made by Lebanon’s information minister that were critical of the Kingdom’s role in the war in Yemen war. Khaled Belhoul, undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said the decision was part of the UAE’s constant keenness to ensure the safety of its citizens abroad, adding that the ministry has taken all necessary measures to facilitate the return of its citizens from Lebanon.