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Filipino expat advisory: UAE Embassy and Consulate to close for April holidays

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8 months ago

April 8, 2025

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Filipino expats in the UAE are advised to plan ahead as the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the Philippine Consulate General, and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai have announced closures in April to mark Philippine national holidays.

In separate announcements, the missions said they will be closed on April 9 in observance of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) and on April 17 and 18, for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

Despite the closures, the online voting kiosk for overseas voters will remain operational during these dates.

Emergency Contact Information

Filipinos in need of urgent assistance during the holidays may still reach the missions through the following hotlines:

Abu Dhabi:

Assistance-to-Nationals: +971 50 443 8003
Consular and other concerns: +971 50 813 7836
Email: abudhabi.pe@dfa.gov.ph

Dubai:

Consular matters: +971 4 220 7100
Assistance-to-Nationals: +971 56 501 5756
Contract verification / OFW support (MWO-Dubai):
+971 50 652 6626 / +971 56 353 5558

MWO: Dubai Special Advisory for OFWs

To accommodate overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with scheduled flights around the holiday closures, MWO-Dubai has set special contract verification dates:

For flights on April 9-10: Visit MWO-Dubai on April 7-8, from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm
For flights between April 17–21: Visit between April 14–16, same hours

OFWs who cannot personally verify their documents before flying may authorise a representative. The representative must visit MWO-Dubai at least five days before the worker’s return flight to the UAE or three days before their OEC appointment in the Philippines.

Filipino nationals are urged to complete their necessary transactions ahead of time and take note of the emergency contact lines for urgent matters.

(Source: filipinotimes)

Related Topics:abudhabi Dubai migrantworkersoffice MWO ofw philippineconsulate philippineembassy philippinenationalholidays Philippines uae

Michael Gomes

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

News

Dubai-India travel: Security procedures triggered for Emirates flight following bomb threat email, flight lands safely

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1 day ago

December 5, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Authorities at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport activated full emergency protocols on Friday after receiving a bomb threat email linked to Emirates flight EK526 travelling from Dubai (DXB) to Hyderabad (HYD).

According to GMR officials, the threat email landed in the airport’s customer support inbox around 7.30am on December 5. Despite the alert, the flight continued under strict monitoring and landed safely at 8.30am.

Once on the ground, the aircraft was immediately moved to an isolated bay. Passengers were safely deboarded, and security te

ams carried out standard bomb threat checks. Investigations are currently underway.

Emirates confirmed the incident in a statement to local media, saying authorities had alerted them to a “potential security threat” to EK526.
“All standard security procedures were implemented by the relevant local authorities with full co-operation from Emirates’ ground teams,” the airline said, adding that “the safety and well-being of passengers and crew remain the highest priority.”

Authorities say all threats are being investigated, and extra security measures remain in place at the airport.

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Driving through Abu Dhabi this week? Here are the road closures you need to know about

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1 day ago

December 5, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Abu Dhabi motorists can expect some delays over the next few days, with the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) announcing a series of partial road closures across key routes in the capital. Drivers are being urged to plan, allow extra travel time, and follow diversions to avoid congestion.

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street

A major set of phased lane closures will take place near Sheikh Zayed Bridge from Tuesday, December 9 to Monday, December 22, 2025.

Three left lanes will be closed from 12am on December 9 until 10pm on December 15.
Two right lanes will then shut from 10pm on December 15 until 6am on December 22.

Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Street

Another temporary closure is scheduled on Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Street from 5pm on December 5 until 5am on December 8.

Authorities explained that these restrictions are part of ongoing road enhancement projects designed to improve traffic flow and safety across the city. Motorists are encouraged to use alternative routes wherever possible during the maintenance period.

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Sharjah Police give deadline to remove National Day stickers, or face fines

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1 day ago

December 5, 2025

Michael Gomes

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If your car is still sporting National Day decals, it’s time to take them off. Sharjah Police have announced that all vehicle owners must remove their UAE National Day celebration stickers by Saturday, December 6, and those who miss the deadline will face violations.

The reminder follows a crackdown during the 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations, where authorities impounded 106 vehicles and nine motorbikes for dangerous and irresponsible behaviour on the roads.

According to Sharjah Police, the violations included:

Creating loud noise and disturbing residents
Driving recklessly and endangering others
Operating vehicles without a valid licence

Police officials urged motorists to celebrate responsibly and avoid turning festivities into safety risks.

However, there has been a shift in decorating trends this year. Many residents opted for cleaner, simpler, more elegant designs to showcase their UAE pride ahead of the long weekend, and demand for custom decals surged.

Authorities are now urging residents to ensure all celebratory stickers and decorations are removed by the set deadline to keep roads safe and avoid penalties.