Emiratis in Russia advised to steer clear of crowded areas
ABU DHABI: As protests erupted in cities across Russia on Saturday, the UAE embassy in Moscow has urged Emiratis in the country to take utmost precautions and avoid crowded places near demonstrations in central Moscow and in other cities.
The embassy has asked its citizens who are in Moscow to contact the embassy on the phone number 0079263622221 for any assistance.
Protesters are demanding the release of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, the Kremlin’s most prominent foe.
Russian police arrested more than 850 protesters, some of whom took to the streets in temperatures as frigid as minus-50 Celsuis . Navalny’s wife Yulia was among those arrested. In Moscow, about 5,000 demonstrators filled Pushkin Square in the city centre, where clashes with police broke out and demonstrators were roughly dragged off by helmeted riot officers to police buses and detention trucks.
Last year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, MOFAIC, has stressed that UAE citizens wishing to travel are required to follow travel guidelines and advice related to the coronavirus, COVID-19, pandemic.
With this intent, they must also make sure that they meet all requirements and take knowledge of all the information on preventative measures in effect at their desired destinations.
In this perspective, the ministry launched a dedicated page for Emirati travellers on its official website, www.mofaic.gov.ae, featuring entry requirements of other countries and related updates, and the categories of people allowed to travel, relevant procedures, and tests required before travel.
Abdulaziz Talib Al Habsi, Director of the Citizens Affairs Department at the Ministry, stated that the launch of the page spurs from the UAE’S efforts to ensure the safety of international travel for Emirati citizens, stressing that it prioritises their health and safety.
Emirati citizens are required to undertake the required steps prior to travel, starting from visiting relevant websites to verifying if their destination country receives visitors, then booking flight tickets, and fulfilling the requirements set by the country of destination, he added.