Khor Fakkan, June 4, 2004 (WAM) – President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with the Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in Dubai and then toured parts of Sharjah as part of his fraternal visits and consultations with the rulers of the Emirates.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed toured a number of vital development projects and tourist attractions in Khor Fakkan and Al Dhaid cities in the Sharjah emirate while stopping for pictures with the members of the public.
The tour included Al Dhaid Fort, which dates back to 1820, witnesses the ancient history of the Al Dhaid city. It also included a number of vital development projects in Khor Fakkan city, such as Al Rafisah Dam, which is one of the newest tourist destinations and environmental landmarks in the country.
He also toured the new Khor Fakkan Road, which is deemed an important vital artery linking the regions of Sharjah and passing through various historical and natural areas.
UAE President was accompanied by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs.
Earlier in the day, he started his trip with meeting the Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai at the Zabeel Palace. They exchanged cordial talk and wished continued welfare, development and progress for the nation, while reviewing a number of issues related to enhancing the comprehensive development drive that the country is witnessing.
Affirming that the UAE is forging ahead with confident steps towards delivering the future for its people and generations to come, the rulers affirmed that the UAE citizens are the mainstay of the national development drive, noting that ensuring their quality of life, social welfare and economic well-being, fulfilling their ambitions, investing in their capabilities and unleashing their potential across various sectors will remain on top of the UAE national priorities.
In this respect, they noted that late Sheikh Zayed and late Sheikh Rashid had dedicated their lives to serving their homeland and fulfilling the ambitions of their people, affirming that nation-building and ensuring a decent life for the UAE people were at the heart of the Founding Fathers’ concerns out of their solid belief in the vital role played by the UAE citizens in ensuring sustainable development and preserving national gains.
The Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai indicated that passport services, disrupted due to technical issues, are expected to resume on Monday, May 4.
The suspension, announced earlier this week by Pakistan’s missions in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, stems from a major technical glitch that affected systems across multiple countries. Officials confirmed that all in-person processing would remain halted until further notice.
Roughly 800 to 1,000 expats rely on the consulate and embassy every day. That’s a huge volume, and delays have hit people needing passport renewals, visa processing, and residency-related paperwork. For several residents, it has directly affected their travel plans, legal status, and employment.
To ease the impact, missions have advised Pakistani citizens to use the online passport application system for renewals and new requests where possible. Those unable to access digital services are asked to wait for further guidance until operations are restored.
Dubai Police have issued a fresh reminder to residents to strengthen the security of home surveillance systems and internet-connected devices, warning that weak settings can leave users vulnerable to hacking, privacy breaches, and even cyber extortion.
The alert comes as part of ongoing awareness campaigns led by the General Department of Criminal Investigation, represented by the Cybercrime and Electronic Crime Department. Authorities noted that many cyberattacks exploit devices with default or weak configurations, making them easy targets.
Residents are advised to take simple but vital steps:
•Change default passwords immediately after activating any device.
•Use strong, complex passwords with letters, numbers, and symbols.
•Regularly update operating systems and apps to patch security gaps.
•Avoid sharing personal details or passwords with unverified sources.
•Switch off surveillance systems when not in use, especially in private spaces.
•Stay alert to suspicious links or apps from unreliable platforms.
Dubai Police emphasised that awareness remains the first line of defence against cybercrime. To support the public, residents can access advice through the e-Crime Hub and report incidents via official channels or by calling 901 for non-emergency cases.
Authorities reiterated that community cooperation is key to reducing cybercrime and protecting individuals, families, and property in the digital age.
Pedestrians in Dubai are being urged to follow road safety rules, as Dubai Police warns that crossing from non-designated areas remains a leading cause of run-over accidents.
Officials say that despite the availability of pedestrian bridges and safe crossings across major roads, some individuals continue to take risks, especially on high-speed routes where drivers may not be able to stop in time.
The warning follows a recent incident where a pedestrian was injured after attempting to cross from an unsafe location in the city. The individual sustained minor injuries.
According to Brigadier Jumaa Salem Bin Suwaidan, pedestrians who ignore crossing rules not only risk their own safety but also endanger drivers and other road users.
Under UAE traffic laws, crossing outside designated areas or ignoring signals can result in a Dh400 fine, reinforcing the importance of using marked crossings and following traffic lights.
Residents have been urged to use designated crossings and stay alert, particularly on busy roads. With increasing traffic and high vehicle speeds in many areas, even a short shortcut can carry serious risks.
