The UAE has announced new precautionary travel measures affecting nationals and travellers from three African countries as part of its efforts to strengthen preparedness against the Ebola virus.

In a joint statement, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) confirmed the suspension of all new visas for nationals of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan from 1pm on June 6.

The temporary measure applies to all visa categories, including visit visas, and may be extended depending on developments. Authorities clarified that cargo flights between the UAE and the affected countries will continue to operate as normal.

The agencies also announced that travellers arriving from the three countries will not be permitted to enter the UAE, including those travelling through third countries. However, an exception will apply to individuals who have remained outside the listed countries for more than 21 consecutive days before arriving in the UAE.

Transit flight operations through UAE airports will not be affected by the new measures.

The announcement comes as the UAE continues to monitor developments related to the Ebola virus and implement preventive measures aimed at protecting public health and maintaining national readiness.

Authorities said they are working closely with local and international partners to assess the evolving situation and will continue reviewing risks while taking any necessary actions in line with approved health protocols and international standards.

The latest measures follow recent confirmation from the Ministry of Health and Prevention that no Ebola cases have been detected in the UAE.

Dubai Police have urged residents to buy gas cylinders only from licensed suppliers after authorities seized 300 non-compliant cylinders during inspection campaigns conducted since the beginning of the year.

The warning comes as part of the force’s “Your Safety and Your Family’s Come First” awareness campaign, which aims to protect residents from the dangers posed by illegally refilled gas cylinders.

According to police, some unauthorised sellers use unsafe refilling methods that fail to meet approved safety standards, significantly increasing the risk of fires and explosions in homes and buildings.

Officials said the inspections, carried out in coordination with the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, have led to the seizure of hundreds of unsafe cylinders in recent years. A total of 300 cylinders have been confiscated so far this year, following 575 seizures in 2025 and 1,361 in 2024.

Buy only from authorised suppliers

Dubai Police stressed that residents should only purchase gas cylinders from authorised companies and approved distributors operating in the UAE.

Authorities also advised residents to inspect cylinders regularly for signs of damage, corrosion or leaks and ensure household gas systems and appliances are properly maintained.

Anyone who suspects illegal gas trading or refilling activities is encouraged to report it through the Dubai Police smart app or by calling 901.

Students, teachers and employees across the UAE are set for a long weekend after authorities confirmed Monday, June 15, as a public holiday to mark the Hijri New Year.

In Dubai, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) announced that schools, universities and early childhood centres will be closed on June 15, with classes resuming on Tuesday, June 16.

Earlier, the UAE government confirmed the same date as an official holiday for both public and private sector employees, in line with the country’s approved 2026 holiday calendar.

For most residents, the holiday creates a three-day weekend. In Sharjah, where government employees and students follow a four-day workweek, the public holiday extends the break to four days.

The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of the Hijri calendar and falls on the first day of Muharram, the calendar’s opening month. The exact start of Muharram is determined through official moon-sighting procedures.

With the holiday falling on a Monday, many residents can look forward to an extended break before normal work and school schedules resume on June 16.