DUBAI - British citizens living in UAE have been warned by their embassies about an 'increase' in drink-spiking in Dubai, local daily Gulf News reported on Thursday.

"Drink spiking, known to be used in date rape, can also happen. Consular staff have noted an increase of drink spiking in night clubs in Dubai, resulting in sexual assaults on both men and women," the paper quoted a recently amended travel advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for British citizens.

According to the advice, female visitors should be careful when walking or travelling alone and should use a reputable taxi company, especially at night, the report said.

British nationals in the Gulf state were also advised against accepting drinks from strangers or leaving drinks -including non-alcoholic drinks - unattended.

"When in pubs and clubs, stay with your friends and avoid getting separated in the crowd. Do not leave with a stranger," the paper said, quoting the travel advice.

A report by the UK Foreign Office in 2009 said Brits are more likely to be arrested in the UAE than in any other country in the world because they do not understand the local laws and customs.

There are more than 100,000 British nationals living in the UAE, and more than one million have travelled to the UAE in 2009, the newspaper report said.