Qatar has issued a travel advisory to nationals for the first time, cautioning against visiting “dangerous” countries, but not naming them.

The advisory is part of a new service called Tawasol, or connection, for Qataris traveling abroad.

Gulf News reports:

While most recommendations appeared common and similar to those issued by other countries to their citizens, several Qataris have wondered why the ministry has chosen to issue the guidelines this time, since it had not done that in the past — even during the H1N1 or SARS outbreak.

“I have been travelling with my family to Europe and other destinations for the past several years but I haven’t come across such an advisory from the foreign ministry,” a Qatari said, though he welcomed the move.

“Is it to assuage fears among Qataris that they are facing security threats in some countries in the region?” another asked, according to the daily.

In March, many Qataris vowed to visit Middle Eastern countries like Egypt and Tunisia this summer to bolster their tourism.

Interesting turnabout, no?