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Heavy traffic at Ghuweifat border checkpoint

GRABIYA — The Ghuweifat border checkpoint, a land gateway to GCC countries, saw a heavy traffic between Wednesday and Saturday, with over 64,000 people travelling across it, an official said.

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Major Jamal Hareb Al Zaa'abi, Head of the Passports Section at the border facility, said a large number of those who entered the country from this checkpoint were teachers. The new academic year in the UAE commences on Sunday.

In 2007, nearly 2.9 million people had used the exit to arrive and leave the country, the official said.

"As per the directives of the Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the border immigration office has taken all necessary preparations to handle any increased pressure," he added.

Elaborating on the main problems facing travellers, he cited the expiry of the validity of passports, non-registration/addition of dependants on the passports etc. He noted that necessary assistance was being given to such passengers.

Al Zaa'abi said a marked surge in outbound movement was expected in the coming days as Muslims will travel to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah during the holy month of Ramadan.

• UAE