In coordination with official educational representatives of the UAE in the United States, the United Arab Emirates Embassy in Washington has successfully evacuated 34 UAE nationals residing in Tampa, Florida, as Hurricane Idalia approaches the western coast of the state, according to an official statement from the UAE.
UAE Ambassador to the United States, Yousuf Mana Al Otaiba, stated that in line with the UAE’s ongoing commitment to monitor the well-being of its citizens abroad and to ensure their safety, the Embassy in Washington took all necessary measures to evacuate its nationals from Florida. A total of 16 citizens were relocated to Miami, while 18 were moved to Atlanta for safety reasons.
The embassy also urged all its residing nationals to exercise caution, avoid hurricane-affected areas, and adhere to the instructions from local authorities. Moreover, the Embassy advised citizens to communicate with the UAE’s Foreign Ministry in emergencies, as well as to register for the Twajudi service for location tracking.
The swift action of the UAE Embassy comes as a part of the state’s longstanding policy to ensure the safety and security of its nationals residing abroad. This move also highlights the diplomatic relations and coordination between the UAE and the United States, showcasing the reach and effectiveness of UAE’s foreign services.
The impending arrival of Hurricane Idalia adds to the list of extreme weather conditions faced by the state of Florida, which is regularly threatened by hurricanes. The coordinated effort for the evacuation ahead of natural disasters like Idalia showcases not just a commitment to citizen safety but also a strong international diplomatic network that facilitates such operations.