India’s Embassy in Abu Dhabi awarded Kerala-based Alhind Group a multi-year outsourcing contract to manage consular support services for more than four million Indians living in the UAE. Beginning July 1, Alhind will officially replace BLS International, which has handled Indian consular services in the UAE since 2011.

The company will launch 16 centres across all seven emirates, including smaller cities such as Al Ain, Kalba and Khor Fakkan, in one of the largest overhauls of Indian consular operations in the Gulf.

The centres will process passport renewals, OCI cards, police clearance certificates and Indian visa applications, alongside apostille, attestation and Global Entry verification services.

A flat Dh19 service fee above government charges will be applicable when using a new digital back-office system aimed at reducing processing times.

Locations of centres

The locations of all 16 centres. Abu Dhabi will have six branches located in Al Khalidiya, Al Reem Island, Musaffah, Madinat Zayed, Ghayathi and Al Ain.

Dubai will be served by centres in Bur Dubai and Dubai Investment Park (DIP), while Sharjah will have locations in Al Majaz and Rolla. Additional centres will operate in Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Kalba and Khor Fakkan.

The Indian Embassy has advised applicants to monitor official channels for updated document checklists and transition procedures. Existing BLS appointments scheduled after June 30 are expected to be shifted automatically to the nearest Alhind centre.

Dubai authorities have rolled out a large-scale security and traffic management plan ahead of the Eid Al Adha holidays, deploying 1,642 patrols, helicopters, marine units and emergency teams across the emirate.

The plan, coordinated by Dubai’s Event Security Committee, covers major mosques, prayer grounds, tourist attractions, shopping centres, beaches and key roads to ensure smooth traffic flow and public safety during the busy holiday period.

Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Assistant Commandant for Operations Affairs and Chairperson of the Event Security Committee, said the operation includes 37 land rescue patrols, 29 marine security boats, two helicopters, 160 ambulatory points, 208 Civil Defence vehicles and six operations rooms working around the clock.

Public transport capacity has also been increased, with 106 trains, 14,500 taxis, 18,500 limousine vehicles, 1,400 public buses and 55 marine transport vehicles operating during Eid.

Resident told to follow rules

Authorities urged residents to follow traffic rules, avoid reckless driving and use emergency numbers responsibly. Dubai Police advised the public to call 999 only for emergencies and 901 for non-emergency assistance.

The committee also warned against dangerous activities during Eid celebrations, including speeding in desert areas, unsafe jet ski use near family beaches and allowing children to play with fireworks.

Police to host celebrations

As part of the festivities, Dubai Police and partners will host sports and entertainment activities for workers in areas including Jebel Ali, Al Quoz, Al Satwa and Al Muhaisnah during the first two days of Eid.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has confirmed that 100 per cent of UAE pilgrims travelling for Hajj this year received all mandatory vaccinations before departure, as part of a nationwide effort to ensure a safe pilgrimage season.

The announcement comes under the UAE’s Healthy and Safe Hajj campaign, a large-scale health initiative involving medical authorities, healthcare providers and government partners across the country.

Mandatory vaccines for pilgrims

Officials said all pilgrims received the required meningococcal vaccine before travelling, while additional vaccines, including:

• seasonal flu shots
• pneumococcal vaccines

were strongly recommended, particularly for elderly pilgrims and people with chronic illnesses.

Free medical screenings were also carried out before departure, including:

• blood pressure checks
• blood sugar testing

Healthcare institutions, including Imperial College London Diabetes and Endocrinology Centre supported the campaign.

As part of preparations, UAE medical teams conducted full emergency response simulations to test readiness before the pilgrimage began.

Heat exhaustion and dehydration among biggest concerns

Authorities said special attention is being given to:

• Older adults
• Pregnant women
• Pilgrims with chronic illnesses

MoHAP warned that heat exhaustion, dehydration, blisters and skin injuries remain among the most common health risks during Hajj.

To reduce risks, pilgrims have been advised to:

• Stay hydrated
• Avoid direct sun exposure
• Wear masks in crowded areas
• Use sanitiser regularly
• Wear comfortable footwear
• Follow medication schedules carefully

Health guidance has also been distributed through:

• SMS alerts
• Mobile apps
• Digital awareness campaigns

Medical support after pilgrimage

MoHAP confirmed that returning pilgrims will receive:

• Follow-up health checks
• Monitoring for possible complications
• Access to electronic medical records
• Specialist follow-up for high-risk cases

Officials said the system is designed to create a fully integrated preventive healthcare model supporting pilgrims before, during and after Hajj.