Amid ongoing regional tensions, UAE officials have reaffirmed stability, preparedness and continuity across key sectors. From schools to national defence, here’s the latest.

During a media briefing on the latest developments and current situation on Tuesday, the broadcast opened with strong condemnation from the GCC and the Arab League against violations targeting Arab states, emphasizing the right to respond to such attacks.

Attention then shifted to education.

Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of Education, confirmed that online learning will continue temporarily to ensure the safety of students and staff.

She emphasised that the UAE is fully prepared, highlighting the country’s advanced digital infrastructure and previous experience with remote learning.

Importantly, she clarified that no exams have been postponed, and urged the public to rely only on official sources for updates.

Parents, she added, play a key role in helping students stay on track and maintain their daily routines.

A special report followed, describing the UAE’s remote learning system as a leading model in digital transformation, praised for its flexibility, sustainability and quality outcomes.

Later, authorities addressed misinformation.

The Public Prosecution warned against spreading rumours, stressing that false information can negatively impact social stability and national security.

Officials reassured the public not to panic and that any loud booming sounds heard around the country were the result of the country’s defence systems operating effectively.

Life continues as normal, trust in official authorities, and avoid spreading rumours or engaging in fraudulent activity, was the message from officials.

The British Embassy in the UAE has announced emergency helpline numbers for British nationals requiring urgent consular assistance.

The advisory comes amid escalating regional tensions, with the embassy urging citizens to stay informed and register their presence with UK authorities.

Emergency numbers

If you are a British national in urgent need of assistance, you can call:

• +44 (0) 207 008 5000
• +971 4 309 4444
• +971 2 610 1100

The embassy acknowledged that some callers are experiencing difficulties getting through due to issues with UAE phone lines.

“We are urgently working to resolve this issue, so please keep trying all the numbers,” the mission said in a social media update.

Register with the UK government

Earlier, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) asked British nationals in several Middle East countries, including the UAE, Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine and Qatar, to register their presence.

The registration allows citizens to:

• Receive direct security and travel updates
• Get guidance during emergencies
• Ensure consular teams can reach them if needed

Those unable to use the online registration form can call +44 20 7008 5000 for assistance.

The embassy also warned that the registration website is currently under strain and advised users to keep trying if they encounter error messages.

Shelter-in-place advisory

The UK government had earlier advised its citizens in the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar to shelter in place as a precautionary measure.

British nationals are encouraged to:

• Monitor official embassy and FCDO channels
  Follow local authority guidance
  Keep communication lines open

In a major digital shift, Emirates Health Services (EHS) has begun implementing a plan to abolish the health card, replacing it with the Emirates ID as the primary identifier for patients across its hospitals and healthcare centres.

The move is aimed at simplifying access to treatment and cutting administrative red tape.

What’s changing?

For years, patients needed a valid health card to register and receive treatment at EHS facilities, including renewals when expired.

Under the new system:

• The Emirates ID will serve as the unified patient identifier
• No separate health card will be required
• Registration procedures will be streamlined
• Administrative steps will be reduced

The aim? Faster access, shorter waiting times and smoother admissions.

Who will benefit first?

According to EHS, the rollout will happen in phases.

Phase One:

• Emirati citizens
• UAE residents
• Nationals of GCCcountries

Later phases will include:

• Children of Emirati women
• Spouses of Emirati citizens
• People of determination
• Additional categories requiring coordination with other entities

Saif Abdullah Al Hassani, Head of Service Development and User Experience at EHS, said the move aligns with the UAE’s digital transformation agenda and national database integration.

In simple terms: one ID, one system, less paperwork.

EHS confirmed it is technically ready to cancel the health card for all groups immediately. However, a phased rollout is being adopted to monitor system performance and address any operational challenges before full implementation.

When will it be fully implemented?

The first group of beneficiaries has already completed technical and regulatory preparations, with a formal announcement expected soon.

Further categories will be added gradually as coordination with external entities is completed.

What this means for patients

Once fully implemented:

• No more renewing health cards
• Faster registration at hospitals
• Reduced paperwork
• Improved patient experience