Latest news with #MinistryofForeignAffairs'


Al-Ahram Weekly
16 hours ago
- General
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt recovers 13 smuggled artefacts from UK and Germany - Ancient Egypt
Egypt has successfully recovered 13 ancient Egyptian artefacts which were smuggled to the United Kingdom and Germany, as part of its continued efforts to safeguard its cultural heritage. The Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) officially received the artefacts on Saturday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' headquarters in the New Administrative Capital. The recovery of the artefacts was carried out in collaboration with British and German authorities. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy said the return of these artefacts reflects Egypt's commitment to protecting its unique heritage. He commended the 'fruitful cooperation' between Egyptian ministries and expressed gratitude to the British and German governments for their role in facilitating the return, highlighting the importance of joint efforts to combat the illicit trade in cultural property. According to Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary-general of the SCA, the recovery followed a police operation in London that seized and confiscated the artefacts after confirming their illegal export by an international antiquities smuggling network. In Germany, Hamburg city authorities contacted the Egyptian embassy in Berlin, offering to return the items from the city's museum once their unlawful provenance was verified. Director of the Antiquities Repatriation Department Shaaban Abdel-Gawad said that the repatriated collection spans various periods of ancient Egyptian history. He said the items returned from London include a New Kingdom limestone funerary stela depicting a Paser, overseer of builders, in a devotional scene with the god Osiris, goddess Isis, and the four sons of Horus; a red baboon-shaped amulet symbolizing divine protection; and an 18th Dynasty green faience vessel and blue faience funerary flask. Add to this a bronze crown fragment featuring a feather, serpent, and ram's head from a large statue of Osiris dated between the 22nd and 26th Dynasties; a beaded funerary mask from the 26th Dynasty; and several faience and black stone amulets. The items returned from Germany include a skull and hand from an unidentified mummy, along with an ankh-shaped amulet — the ancient Egyptian symbol of life. All recovered artefacts have been transferred to the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir for conservation and restoration before being displayed in a dedicated exhibition of recently repatriated treasures. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:


Gulf Today
18 hours ago
- Gulf Today
2 Emiratis die, 3 others injured in Turkey after tour bus falls into valley
Two Emirati citizens died and three others were injured when their tour bus plunged into a valley in the Turkish city of Trabzon. According to Turkish media, the tragic accident occurred after the tour bus driver lost control due to heavy fog, causing the bus to plunge into a valley near Lake Balik in Çaykara, Trabzon. The Trabzon Governorate issued a statement regarding the incident, saying: "The vehicle fell from a cliff approximately 50 metres high. Upon receiving a report of the accident, two gendarmerie teams and two traffic police teams were dispatched to the scene. Of the five Emirati tourists in the vehicle, a woman and a man were pronounced dead at the scene. The three foreign passengers and the driver were transported to the hospital by ambulance, their injuries are not life-threatening." Turkish authorities have begun investigations to uncover the circumstances of the accident. Media outlets have revealed the identities of the victims: M. M. (18 years old), A. M. (32 years old), A. M. (15 years old), S. M. (53 years old), and M. A. (60 years old) were also injured. Ministry advises Emirati travelers The UAE Embassy in the Republic of Turkey recommended that Emirati citizens traveling to Turkey review a set of important guidelines before traveling to ensure a safe and smooth trip. The embassy called on citizens to register themselves and their families in the "Tawajudi" service, ensure that their passports are valid for at least six months, and verify the financial transaction system followed in the destination country, such as using bank cards or cash payments. They also contacted their banks to ensure that bank cards are activated for use abroad. In addition to reviewing the travel guidelines page for each destination available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website and smart application, you can learn the most important guidelines and instructions related to travel to Turkey. Check the requirements for issuing a domestic worker visa with the relevant authorities well in advance of your travel date. Keep a copy of your identification documents. Adhere to traffic laws to ensure your personal safety and the safety of others. Ensure that your full name matches your passport and vehicle registration before traveling. Ensure you meet any health requirements in your destination country before traveling. Review the requirements for recognizing and replacing your UAE driving license on the travel guidelines page for each destination on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website and smart application.


Gulf Today
18 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Emiratis urged to follow safety and travel guidelines before visiting Turkey
The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in the Republic of Turkey has advised Emirati citizens planning to travel to Turkey to review important guidelines to ensure a safe and smooth trip. The embassy urged citizens to: — Register themselves and their families in the Tawajudi service. — Ensure their passports are valid for at least six months. — Verify the financial transaction system in their destination country, whether using bank cards or cash payments. — Contact their bank to confirm that their cards are activated for overseas use. — Review the travel guidelines for each destination available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website and smart application. Travelers are also advised to check the requirements for obtaining a domestic worker visa from the relevant authorities well in advance of their travel date, keep copies of identification documents, follow traffic laws, ensure personal safety, and make sure their full name matches both their passport and vehicle registration before traveling. Additionally, citizens should meet any health requirements of their destination country and review the procedures for recognizing or replacing a UAE driving license on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' travel guidelines page and smart application.


Al-Ahram Weekly
19 hours ago
- General
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt recovers 13 artefacts smuggled to UK and Germany - Ancient Egypt
Egypt has successfully recovered 13 ancient Egyptian artefacts which were smuggled to the United Kingdom and Germany, as part of its continued efforts to safeguard its cultural heritage. The Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) officially received the artefacts on Saturday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' headquarters in the New Administrative Capital. The recovery of the artefacts was carried out in collaboration with British and German authorities. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy said the return of these artefacts reflects Egypt's commitment to protecting its unique heritage. He commended the 'fruitful cooperation' between Egyptian ministries and expressed gratitude to the British and German governments for their role in facilitating the return, highlighting the importance of joint efforts to combat the illicit trade in cultural property. According to Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary-general of the SCA, the recovery followed a police operation in London that seized and confiscated the artefacts after confirming their illegal export by an international antiquities smuggling network. In Germany, Hamburg city authorities contacted the Egyptian embassy in Berlin, offering to return the items from the city's museum once their unlawful provenance was verified. Director of the Antiquities Repatriation Department Shaaban Abdel-Gawad said that the repatriated collection spans various periods of ancient Egyptian history. He said the items returned from London include a New Kingdom limestone funerary stela depicting a Paser, overseer of builders, in a devotional scene with the god Osiris, goddess Isis, and the four sons of Horus; a red baboon-shaped amulet symbolizing divine protection; and an 18th Dynasty green faience vessel and blue faience funerary flask. Add to this a bronze crown fragment featuring a feather, serpent, and ram's head from a large statue of Osiris dated between the 22nd and 26th Dynasties; a beaded funerary mask from the 26th Dynasty; and several faience and black stone amulets. The items returned from Germany include a skull and hand from an unidentified mummy, along with an ankh-shaped amulet — the ancient Egyptian symbol of life. All recovered artefacts have been transferred to the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir for conservation and restoration before being displayed in a dedicated exhibition of recently repatriated treasures. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:


Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
What is 'Emirati Traveller Services Card': Why every UAE citizen going abroad should get one
Travellers can instantly access all services by scanning the QR code linked to the Emirati Traveller Services Card anytime, anywhere/ Image: X (Screen Grab) The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has introduced the Emirati Traveller Services Card, a comprehensive digital solution designed to enhance the travel experience of UAE citizens overseas. This one-stop service package ensures Emiratis receive continuous assistance, emergency support, and smart travel conveniences throughout their journeys, reflecting the ministry's commitment to placing its citizens at the center of its strategic priorities. TL;DR: New Emirati Traveller Services Card offers 24/7 support and emergency assistance abroad. Includes fast-track services like document reissuance, travel advisories, and Twajudi registration . Available at Dubai and Zayed airports for UAE citizens traveling internationally. A streamlined solution for UAE citizens abroad The Emirati Traveller Services Card is a seamless and integrated initiative aimed at providing UAE nationals traveling outside the country with reliable and efficient support. The card is part of a well-coordinated framework that links the ministry's internal teams with the UAE's diplomatic missions worldwide, guaranteeing timely care and rapid responses during emergencies. This infrastructure allows the ministry to maintain high operational readiness and effectiveness in managing the needs of Emirati travelers. Among the key features, the card offers round-the-clock access to emergency assistance via a dedicated helpline reachable at 0097180024. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Become Fluent in Any Language Talkpal AI Undo by Taboola by Taboola Whether travelers face medical emergencies, legal issues, or require travel advice, they can contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' support team at any time, anywhere. This direct communication channel is critical, especially when local authorities in foreign countries may not be fully equipped to assist UAE citizens. Comprehensive services tailored for travellers The card includes access to several vital services designed to simplify travel logistics and increase safety: Twajudi Registration: This service allows Emirati citizens and their families to register their travel plans in advance, facilitating better support and coordination. Return Document Issuance: In cases where passports are lost, damaged, expired, or when newborns require return documentation, the cardholders can obtain the necessary papers within 30 minutes. Real-Time Travel Advisory: Users can consult an interactive, destination-specific advisory page, offering up-to-date information and guidance to navigate challenges and stay informed throughout their trip. The card is linked to a QR code that travelers can scan anytime to instantly access these services, making it a smart digital companion for those leaving the country. Availability and accessibility Currently, the Emirati Traveller Services Card is issued to Emiratis departing from the UAE's two main international airports: Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi and Dubai International Airport. This strategic availability covers a significant portion of the country's international travel traffic, ensuring that many UAE citizens can benefit from this service, especially during busy holiday seasons. Why the Emirati Traveller Services Card matters The introduction of this card marks a significant step forward in supporting UAE nationals abroad. It reduces the stress and uncertainty that often come with international travel by offering a reliable, fast, and efficient way to access assistance and manage travel-related issues. Whether traveling for leisure, business, or emergency purposes, the card provides peace of mind through its emergency helpline and quick document services. In addition to enhancing individual safety and convenience, this initiative strengthens the UAE government's commitment to its citizens, reinforcing their confidence that help is always within reach, no matter where they are in the world. For travelers preparing for their next journey, the Emirati Traveller Services Card is an essential tool, ensuring a safer, smoother, and more secure travel experience. Emiratis planning international trips are encouraged to obtain the card and share information about this service with friends and family, promoting wider awareness and readiness among travelers. This card is set to transform how UAE citizens navigate international travel, combining technology, support, and government coordination into a unified service that meets modern travel needs. FAQs: Q. Who can get the Emirati Traveller Services Card? The card is available to UAE citizens departing from Zayed International Airport and Dubai International Airport. Q. What should I do if I lose my passport while abroad? You can use the card to request a return document, issued within 30 minutes via the Ministry's support channels. Q. How do I access the card's services during travel? Services can be accessed anytime by scanning the QR code linked to the card or by calling the emergency helpline at 0097180024. Q. Is it mandatory to register for Twajudi before travelling? While not mandatory, registering through Twajudi is strongly recommended to ensure quicker support and coordinated assistance in emergencies.