The UAE has said it arrested members of a terror cell made up of Emirati and Saudi citizens planning to carry out attacks in the two countries and the wider region.

The state news agency announced late on 26 December that the arrests, in coordination with Saudi authorities, followed an investigation that “showed that these elements have imported material, equipment and devices with the intention of carrying out terrorist acts”.

Those arrested have been referred to the Federal State Security Prosecutor for investigation and will be tried in court, according to the state news agency.