Indian citizens are being urged not to visit the country's consulate in Dubai unless absolutely necessary, to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.
On Thursday, the diplomatic mission asked its citizens to be responsible and comply with preventive measures in place against Covid-19, such as avoiding gatherings, wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing.
Indians form the largest expatriate group in the UAE, with a population of about 3.42 million.
On Thursday, the UAE reported the highest number of daily Covid-19 deaths to date, with 18 patients succumbing to the virus. On Friday, there were 12 deaths recorded and 3,307 new infections.
"Members of the Indian community who wish to visit the consulate for any consular services are advised to avoid such visits unless necessary," the consulate tweeted.
"They should, instead, make use of the various electronic platforms offered by the consulate without having to physically visit the office."
Instead of visiting the consulate in person, Indians in the UAE can call the toll-free number 800 46342 or send a WhatsApp message to the number 054 309 0571.
They can also use the PBSK mobile application, or send an email to pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in.
The Pakistani consulate in Dubai was closed this week after Covid-19 cases were detected.
The consulate said: "Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai will remain closed for all consular services from February 9 to February 11 due to some Covid-19 cases and for sterilisation process."
Consular services will resume from February 14.
In January, the Philippines consulate in Dubai had to close temporarily for disinfection.
LA LIGA FIXTURES
Friday Valladolid v Osasuna (Kick-off midnight UAE)
Saturday Valencia v Athletic Bilbao (5pm), Getafe v Sevilla (7.15pm), Huesca v Alaves (9.30pm), Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (midnight)
Sunday Real Sociedad v Eibar (5pm), Real Betis v Villarreal (7.15pm), Elche v Granada (9.30pm), Barcelona v Levante (midnight)
Monday Celta Vigo v Cadiz (midnight)
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP FIXTURES
September 30
South Africa v Australia
Argentina v New Zealand
October 7
South Africa v New Zealand
Argentina v Australia
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US households add $601bn of debt in 2019
American households borrowed another $601 billion (Dh2.2bn) in 2019, the largest yearly gain since 2007, just before the global financial crisis, according to February data from the New York Federal Reserve Bank.
Fuelled by rising mortgage debt as homebuyers continued to take advantage of low interest rates, the increase last year brought total household debt to a record high, surpassing the previous peak reached in 2008 just before the market crash, according to the report.
Following the 22nd straight quarter of growth, American household debt swelled to $14.15 trillion by the end of 2019, the New York Fed said in its quarterly report.
In the final three months of the year, new home loans jumped to their highest volume since the fourth quarter of 2005, while credit cards and auto loans also added to the increase.
The bad debt load is taking its toll on some households, and the New York Fed warned that more and more credit card borrowers — particularly young people — were falling behind on their payments.
"Younger borrowers, who are disproportionately likely to have credit cards and student loans as their primary form of debt, struggle more than others with on-time repayment," New York Fed researchers said.
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Company: Instabug
Founded: 2013
Based: Egypt, Cairo
Sector: IT
Employees: 100
Stage: Series A
Investors: Flat6Labs, Accel, Y Combinator and angel investors
