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4 May, 2014

U.A.E. citizens get travel safety tips, especially for UK

ABU DHABI, 29th April, 2014 (WAM) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called U.A.E. citizens wishing to travel abroad for tourism, study and medical treatment, mainly those heading to the UK, to take into consideration a set of important measures for their own safety.

In a statement today, Rashid Ali Al Dhaheri, Director of Citizens’ Affairs at MoFA, said that the Ministry, out of its keenness to provide citizens with all means of safety and comfort so as to enjoy their vacation abroad, free of troubles or emergency, would like to give U.A.E. travellers who are abroad a number of important advisories, including registration for the Ministry’s Tawajedi services (My Whereabouts) which is primarily dedicated to assisting U.A.E. citizens who are facing emergency situations or crises abroad.

“The Ministry also advises citizens to save any Short Message Service (SMS) they receive from the Ministry when they arrive at their destination, which contains contact numbers with the U.A.E. Embassy in that country.

Al Dhaheri added that citizens are also requested to select a safe and secure residential property, make sure that doors of their apartments are well locked, double check the identity of visitors before opening the door, make sure they do not leave their children alone outdoors and finally avoid going out alone late at night.

Al Dhaheri also emphasised on the importance to avoid exaggeration and wearing expensive clothes and accessories of famous brands which draw the attention of others in public places where there are people of different nationalities and interests.

He also urges citizens to stay away from suspicious places where aggressive persons can loiter, and take extra precautions while shopping and walking outside. They should not carry large amounts of money and instead use credit cards.

They are also advised to report any urgent situation they could face to the security authorities and contact the U.A.E. Embassy for assistance. Al Dhaheri calls on U.A.E. citizens to regularly review travel updates and advice available on the ministry’s website (www.mofa.ae) and smart applications.