Israel-Iran conflict: How UAE's Twajudi service helps keep Emiratis safe abroad

Ministry of Foreign Affairs has pledged support to citizens in countries affected by escalating regional tension

Rescuers work near a damaged building following an Iranian strike in the Israeli city of Bnei Brak, east of Tel Aviv. AFP

The UAE government has pledged its support to Emiratis staying in a number of countries in the Middle East as hostility between Israel and Iran intensifies.

Regional tension was heightened when Israel launched a wave of attacks across Iran on Friday, killing senior military officials and striking nuclear sites.

The restrictions have led to widespread travel disruption after airlines across the region cancelled and delayed flights.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday urged citizens in Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Iran and Israel to register with its Twajudi service, which provides crucial consular assistance to UAE citizens when abroad.

The ministry – in an alert shared on social media – stressed that Emiratis should contact them in case of an emergency.

But what is Twajudi and what assistance does it provide to Emiratis abroad?

Overseas support

Twajudi – which translates to “where I am located” – is an online portal in which Emiratis can register before travelling abroad or while overseas to ensure they have access to the support of UAE embassies and consulates.

Emiratis can register through the ministry's website, using the UAE Pass app. They are asked to provide details such about the destination they are staying or travelling to, the start and end date of their trip and how many people they are travelling with. The service is free of charge.

It allows authorities to communicate with citizens in case an emergency situation breaks out in the country they are visiting or living in, as well as more easily facilitating their repatriation to the Emirates if required.

Twajudi proved to be an important resource during the Covid-19 pandemic, offering crucial assistance to citizens who were abroad as travel restrictions were put in place. It is also used by citizens taking part in Hajj each year.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it received about 5,000 calls, 1,880 of which were emergency reports, regarding Emiratis who were overseas in the summer of 2024. Seven air and eight land transport operations were co-ordinated with the UAE National Guard and health authorities nationwide for critical medical cases, state news agency Wam reported last year.