Authorities in the UAE said that they've arrested seven people linked to al-Qaeda who were planning attacks against security in the country, Reuters reported.
Consisting of various Arab nationalities, the group were financing, recruiting and supporting al-Qaeda logistically in the country whislt seeking to expand activities in the region, acoording to state new sagency WAM.
"The cell was planning actions that would target the country's security and the safety of its citizens and its residents, and was carrying out recreuitment, and promoting the actions of al-Qaeda" read a statement released by WAM.
"It was also supplying al-Qaeda with money nad providing logistical support and seeking to expand its activities in some regional countries," WAM said.
The US-backed UAE has partnered with Western countries as they try to control militancy in the region.