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

In a major boost to national transport readiness, Etihad Rail has successfully operated a passenger train connecting Al Ghuwaifat on the Saudi border to Al Faya in Abu Dhabi.

The operation forms part of the project’s ongoing trial runs, and it’s not just about testing tracks.

Strategic passenger link activated

The trial run was conducted in coordination with the Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Centre Abu Dhabi (ADCMC).

The link between Al Ghuwaifat and Al Faya is designed to:

• Support transport of residents
• Enable authorities to activate alternative routes
• Strengthen emergency response mechanisms
• Enhance national transport continuity

This is part of broader response plans aimed at maintaining stability during various operational scenarios.

Focus on logistics and risk management

According to Etihad Rail, the trial run ensures:

• Integration of roles between government entities
• Stronger logistical security
• Alignment with business continuity strategies
• Multi-scenario risk management preparedness

In short, it’s about making sure the system works seamlessly when it matters most.

Eng. Mohammed Al Shehhi, Chief Projects Officer at Etihad Rail, emphasised that the goal is to provide:

• Safe
• Reliable
• Well-organised transport solutions

Especially during periods when maintaining the national transport ecosystem is critical.

He added that teams continue working closely with government partners to ensure sustainable operations and smooth traffic flow across the country.

The UAE’s rail network is increasingly playing a strategic role beyond cargo, evolving into a backbone for passenger movement, emergency readiness, and cross-border connectivity.