
DAVID BECKHAM will be surrounded by a ring of steel when he flies into Dubai next week amid fears of a terror attack.
#bodycopy a { font-size: 12px; } He will spark the Middle East state’s biggest-ever security operation when he arrives on Monday to make his debut for AC Milan.
Spies at MI6 fear an al-Qaida attack on the United Arab Emirates could happen “at any time soon.
And security forces fear Beckham, 33, is an ideal high-profile target for Muslim fanatics.
He is due to make several public appearances before playing in a friendly match against Hamburg on January 6.
One security source said: “It’s a huge headache.
“We are planning as if it is a state visit. Security measures could not be any higher.
“We’re used to stars coming to Dubai but what makes this different are the public appearances he will be making – autograph signings and training sessions.
“Fans want to meet him face-to-face and that poses a different kind of risk to what we normally see.”
Beckham will be watched by armed guards 24 hours a day. It is also expected that the roads around venues where he will be training will be sealed off.
And fans will be forced to pass through airport-style scanning machines before being allowed anywhere near Beckham.
The Foreign Office upped its threat level for Dubai earlier this year to “high”. Its current warning to British travellers states: “We believe terrorists may be planning to carry out attacks in the UAE.
“Attacks could be indiscriminate and could happen at any time.”
Becks is expected to attend a New Year’s Eve bash thrown by his A-List Hollywood pal Tom Cruise.
Tom, 46, is said to have booked out part of the swanky Atlantis Hotel for the celeb-packed party.
Becks and wife Victoria, 34, are expected to be guests of honour with sons Brooklyn, nine, Romeo, six, and Cruz, three.
Technorati Tags: armed guards, david beckham, dubai, guests of honour, High-profile, Muslim Fanatics, Target, terrorists, United Arab Emirates