UAE MoFA received 4,575 emergency reports in 2024, issues 7 travel safety guidelines

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( MoFA) received a total of 4,575 reports through its emergency hotline during 2024.

According to the Ministry’s official statistics published on its website, the reports were categorized as follows:

• 1,791 cases of moderate medical issues

• 821 cases of theft, fraud, and lost items

• 651 cases related to missed flights

• 223 cases involving road incidents and accidents

The highest monthly number of reports was recorded in August (858), followed by July (727), December (621), June (330), October (324), September (321), November (291), January (282), April (260), May (221), February (205), and March (135).

For moderate medical cases, the monthly breakdown was: 110 in January, 76 in February, 43 in March, 95 in April, 75 in May, 126 in June, 277 in July, 366 in August, 131 in September, 135 in October, 121 in November, and 236 in December.

Missed flight reports were distributed as follows: 19 in January, 30 in February, 15 in March, 58 in April, 40 in May, 38 in June, 142 in July, 87 in August, 49 in September, 35 in October, 48 in November, and 90 in December.

Theft and lost items were reported as follows: 41 in January, 32 in February, 16 in March, 31 in April, 40 in May, 67 in June, 143 in July, 153 in August, 54 in September, 58 in October, 51 in November, and 135 in December.

7 travel guidelines for your safety and that of your family

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged UAE citizens traveling abroad to consult the travel advisory page for their specific destination via the Ministry’s website or smart application. This interactive platform provides tailored guidance and advice for each destination, ensuring a smooth and safe travel experience.

The Ministry emphasized the importance of adhering to seven key travel guidelines:

1. Register yourself and your family in the Twajudi service.

2. Keep an electronic copy of essential identification documents.

3. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months.

4. Save the emergency hotline number (+97180024), available 24/7 for UAE citizens abroad.

5. Secure valid international health insurance before traveling.

6. Follow the official advisories and alerts issued by the destination country.

7. Avoid wearing valuable items or carrying large sums of money.

The Ministry highlighted that the Twajudi service aims to enhance the safety and comfort of UAE citizens abroad by providing immediate assistance during emergencies. Travelers can register before or during their trip through the website, smart application, or even via WhatsApp. Citizens abroad can also use the dedicated emergency hotline: 0097180024.

Travel guidelines for UAE citizens traveling abroad

1. Documentation

• Ensure passports are valid for at least six months.

• Carry copies of your passport or ID.

• Verify that all required documents (e.g., visas) are in order.

• Confirm the validity of all financial and legal documents.

2. Financial Matters

• Contact your bank to confirm your cards will work abroad.

• Carry sufficient funds for expected expenses.

 3. Health

• Take all necessary vaccinations (including influenza) before travel and present vaccination cards when required, as per Ministry guidelines.

• Verify health requirements in the destination country.

• In case of illness, contact the nearest UAE mission or the Ministry’s call center.

4. Safety and Legal Compliance

• Register in Twajudi via the Ministry’s website or mobile app (UAE MOFA).

• Keep all important documents with you.

• Adhere to traffic rules and laws of the destination country.

• Respect local laws, traditions, and customs.

• Contact the UAE mission abroad for clarification on local laws and regulations.

 5. Additional Services

• Call the emergency hotline 0097180024 in urgent cases.

• Make use of the “Doctor for Every Citizen” service for medical consultations if needed.