India, March 29 -- The UAE is making a huge mistake by siding with the US and Israel amid the ongoing war with Iran, according to top US economist Jeffrey Sachs. He warned that if the UAE decides to enter the conflict, it could put its major cities, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, at risk of being bombed.

The American economist said that Dubai and Abu Dhabi are not military zones but major tourist destinations where wealthy visitors come to relax and enjoy themselves. Entering the war, he added, could make these cities targets of attacks.

According to a report by the Financial Times, the UAE informed its allies, including the US, that it is willing to participate in a multinational maritime task force aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, as it...