Embassy of the United States

Citizen Services

Warden Message # 16/2008 -- 4th of July and Worldwide Caution

To All American citizens in the UAE:

As we enter the busy summer travel and holiday season, including plans for 4th of July celebrations around the UAE, Embassy Abu Dhabi and Consulate General Dubai wish to remind American citizens about the general security situation in the Middle East, as outlined below in the current Worldwide Caution. The Embassy and Consulate General wish to advise Americans that potential exists for terrorists to plan and carry out violent actions in the region, including the UAE, and for this reason Americans should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times, particularly in public places

Please continue to monitor the Embassy’s website for updated information, http://abudhabi.usembassy.gov/. For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://www.travel.state.gov/, where the current Worldwide Caution, United Arab Emirates Country Specific Information, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings can be found.

Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada; or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Worldwide Caution

January 17, 2008

This Worldwide Caution updates information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against Americans and interests throughout the world.    American citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.  This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated October 9, 2007.     

The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas.  Current information suggests that al-Qaida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.  These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings and bombings. 

Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official and private interests.  Examples of such targets include high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas and locales where Americans gather in large numbers, including during holidays.  In August 2007, two bombs exploded almost simultaneously at an amusement park and a restaurant in India, killing at least 42 people.  In June 2007, two unexploded car bombs were discovered in London. 

Americans are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems.  Recent examples include multiple terrorist attacks on trains in India in 2006, the July 2005 London Underground bombings, and the March 2004 train attacks in Madrid.  In addition, extremists may also select aviation and maritime services as possible targets, such as the August 2006 plot against aircraft in London, or the December 2006 bomb at Madrid's Barajas International Airport.  In June 2007, a vehicle was driven into the main terminal at Glasgow International Airport and burst into flames, but the bomb failed to detonate.  

The Middle East and North Africa

Credible information indicates terrorist groups seek to continue attacks against U.S. interests in the Middle East and North Africa.  Terrorist actions may include bombings, hijackings, hostage taking, kidnappings, and assassinations.  While conventional weapons such as explosive devices are a more immediate threat in many areas, use of non-conventional weapons, including chemical or biological agents, must be considered a possible threat.  Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets.  Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorists and their sympathizers to seek softer targets such as public transportation, residential areas, and public areas where people congregate, including restaurants, hotels, clubs, and shopping areas.

On December 11, 2007, two vehicle-borne explosive devices were detonated at the UN headquarters in Algiers and the Algerian Constitutional Council.  Three other suicide bomb attacks in July and September of 2007 in Algeria killed more than 80 people.  In July 2007, suspected al-Qaida operatives carried out a vehicle-borne explosive device attack on tourists at the Bilquis Temple in Yemen, which resulted in the deaths of eight Spanish tourists and their two Yemeni drivers.  There was a series of bombings in Morocco in March and April 2007, two of which occurred simultaneously outside the U.S. Consulate General and the private American Language Center in Casablanca.  Additionally, an attack took place on the American International School in Gaza in April 2007.  These events underscore the intent of terrorist entities to target facilities perceived to cater to Westerners.  The September 2006 attack on the U.S. embassy in Syria and the March 2006 bombing near the U.S. consulate in Karachi, Pakistan illustrate the continuing desire of extremists to strike American targets.

Potential targets are not limited to those companies or establishments with overt U.S. ties.  For instance, terrorists may target movie theaters, liquor stores, bars, casinos, or any similar type of establishment, regardless of whether they are owned and operated by host country nationals.  Due to varying degrees of security at all such locations, Americans should be particularly vigilant when visiting these establishments.

The violence in Iraq, clashes between Palestinians and Israelis, clashes between terrorist extremists and the Lebanese Armed Forces, and the violence in Pakistan following the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto on December 27, 2007 have the potential to produce demonstrations and unrest throughout the region.  Americans are reminded that demonstrations and rioting can occur with little or no warning.  In addition, the Department of State continues to warn of the possibility for violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests in the region.  Anti-American violence could include possible terrorist actions against aviation, ground transportation, and maritime interests, specifically in the Middle East, including the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, the Arabian Peninsula, and North Africa.

The Department is concerned that extremists may be planning to carry out attacks against Westerners and oil workers on the Arabian Peninsula.  Armed attacks targeting foreign nationals in Saudi Arabia that resulted in many deaths and injuries, including U.S. citizens, appear to have been preceded by extensive surveillance.  Tourist destinations in Egypt that are frequented by Westerners were attacked in April 2006 resulting in many deaths and injuries, including Americans.  Extremists may be surveilling Westerners, particularly at hotels, housing areas, and rental car facilities.  Potential targets may include U.S. contractors, particularly those related to military interests.  Financial or economic venues of value also could be considered as possible targets; the failed attack on the Abqaiq oil processing facility in Saudi Arabia in late February 2006 and the September 2006 attack on oil facilities in Yemen are examples.

East Africa

A number of al-Qaida operatives and other extremists are believed to be operating in and around East Africa.  As a result of the conflict in Somalia, some of these individuals may seek to relocate elsewhere in the region.  Americans considering travel to the region and those already there should review their plans carefully, remain vigilant with regard to their personal security, and exercise caution.  Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings, kidnappings or targeting maritime vessels.  Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets.  Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorists to seek softer targets such as hotels, beach resorts, prominent public places, and landmarks.  In particular, terrorists may target civil aviation and seaports.  Americans in remote areas or border regions where military or police authority is limited or non-existent could also become targets.

Americans considering seaborne travel near the Horn of Africa or in the southern Red Sea should exercise extreme caution, as there have been several incidents of armed attacks, robberies, and kidnappings for ransom at sea by pirates during the past several years.  Merchant vessels continue to be hijacked in Somali territorial waters, while others have been hijacked as far as 200 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia in international waters.

The U.S. Government maritime authorities advise mariners to avoid the port of Mogadishu, and to remain at least 200 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia.  In addition, when transiting around the Horn of Africa or in the Red Sea, it is strongly recommended that vessels travel in convoys, and maintain good communications contact at all times.

Central Asia 

The U.S. Government continues to receive information that terrorist groups in Central Asia may be planning attacks in the region, possibly against U.S. Government facilities, American citizens, or American interests.  Elements and supporters of extremist groups present in Central Asia, including the Islamic Jihad Union (IJU), al-Qaida, the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), and the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, have expressed anti-U.S. sentiments in the past and have demonstrated the capability to conduct terrorist operations in the region.  Previous terrorist attacks conducted in Central Asia have involved improvised explosive devices and suicide bombers and have targeted public areas, such as markets, local government facilities, and, in 2004, the U.S. and Israeli Embassies in Uzbekistan.  In addition, hostage-takings and skirmishes have occurred near the Uzbek-Tajik-Kyrgyz border areas.

Before You Go

U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security.    Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security.  For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad" found at http://travel.state.gov.

U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert.  These facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture.  In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens.  Americans abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada or, outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444

Sincerely,

Robert  Dolce

Consular Chief, Abu Dhabi

Cynthia Ebeid

Consular Chief, Dubai

The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi is located at Embassies District, Plot 38, Sector W59-02, Street No. 4, P.O. Box 4009. The telephone number is (971) (2) 414-2200, and the Consular Section fax number is (971) (2) 414-2241. The email address for American Citizens Services inquiries, including passport questions, is abudhabiacs@state.gov. The Embassy Internet web site is <http://abudhabi.usembassy.gov/>. For after-hours emergencies in Abu Dhabi, contact the Embassy at (971) (2) 414-2500 for the Abu Dhabi Duty Officer.

The U.S. Consulate General in Dubai is located on the 21st floor of the Dubai World Trade Center, P.O. Box 9343. The telephone number is (971) (4) 311-6000. The Consular Section fax number is (971) (4) 311-6213. The email address for American Citizens Services inquiries, including passport questions, is dubaiwarden@state.gov. The web site for the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai is <http://dubai.usconsulate.gov/>. For after-hours emergencies in Dubai, contact the Embassy at (971)(2) 414-2500 for the Dubai Duty Officer.

  

Travel warnings

To All American Citizens in the United Arab Emirates:

The following Department of State Worldwide Caution Public Announcement dated April 10, 2007 is being distributed to American citizens resident in the United Arab Emirates.

Worldwide Caution Public Announcement

April 10, 2007

This Public Announcement updates information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against Americans and interests overseas. This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated October 11, 2006 and expires on October 9, 2007.

The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. Current information suggests that al-Qaida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics to include assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings and bombings.

Ongoing events in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East have resulted in demonstrations and associated violence in several countries. Americans are reminded that demonstrations and rioting can occur with little or no warning.

In August 2006, British authorities arrested a significant number of extremists engaged in a plot to destroy multiple passenger aircraft flying from the United Kingdom to the United States. The September 2006 attack on the U.S. Embassy in Syria and the March 2006 bombing near the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan illustrate the continuing desire of extremists to strike American targets.

Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official and private interests. The bomb attacks targeting buses carrying foreign workers in March 2007 and December 2006 in Algeria, a series of bombings in Thailand in May and September 2006 that targeted commercial and tourist destinations in the far south, and the bombings in the the Egyptian resort town of Dahab in April 2006 all illustrate how terrorists exploit vulnerabilities associated with soft targets. Additional examples of such targets include high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas and locales where Americans gather in large numbers, including during holidays. Financial or economic targets of value may also be considered as possible venues; the vehicle-based suicide attack on an oil facility near Mukalla and Marib in Yemen in September 2006 and the failed attack on the Abqaiq oil processing facility in Saudi Arabia in late February 2006 are such examples.

In the wake of the August 2006 plot against aircraft in London, numerous terrorist attacks on trains in India in 2006, the July 2005 London Underground bombings, and the March 2004 train attacks in Madrid, Americans are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems. In addition, extremists may also select aviation and maritime services as possible targets.

U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. For additional information, please refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” found at http://travel.state.gov.

U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Americans abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

Sincerely,

RobertDolce, Consul

US Embassy ABu Dhabi

Cynthia Ebeid, Consul

US Consulate General Dubai

The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi is located at Embassies District, Plot 38, Sector W59-02, Street No. 4. The telephone number is (971)(2)414-2200, and the Consular Section fax number is (971) (2) 414-2241. The email address for American Citizens Services inquiries is AbudhabiACS@state.gov. The after-hours telephone number is (971)(2)414-2500. The embassy Internet site is http://uae.usembassy.gov/. The Embassy strongly encourages all Americans visiting or residing in the UAE to register with the Embassy. Registration should be made on-line at: https://travelregistration.state.gov.

The U.S. Consulate General in Dubai is located on the 21st floor of the Dubai World Trade Center, P.O. Box 9343. The telephone number is (971)(4) 311-6000, and the Consular Section fax number is (971)(4) 311-6213. The email address for American Citizens Services inquiries, including passport questions, is dubaiwarden@state.gov. The website for the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai is http://dubai.usconsulate.gov. The Consulate General strongly encourages all Americans visiting or residing in the UAE to register with the Consulate. Registration should be made on-line at: https://travelregistration.state.gov.

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT WE DO NOT RESPOND TO MESSAGES SENT TO THIS EMAIL ACCOUNT. THIS ADDRESS IS NOT MONITORED FOR INCOMING MAIL.

Dear American Citizen,

The following Department of State Public Announcement for Middle East and North Africa dated November 20, 2006 is being distributed to American citizens resident in the United Arab Emirates.

Public Announcement - Middle East and North Africa

November 20, 2006

This Public Announcement is being updated to alert Americans to ongoing security concerns in the region in light of recent events, including ongoing violence in Iraq and the the clashes between Israel and Palestinians. U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. This Public Announcement supersedes the Public Announcement issued on June 14, 2006 and expires on May 15, 2007.

Credible information indicates terrorist groups seek to continue attacks against U.S. interests in the Middle East and North Africa.
Terrorist actions may include bombings, hijackings, hostage taking, kidnappings and assassinations. While conventional weapons such as explosive devices are a more immediate threat in many areas, use of non-conventional weapons, including chemical or biological agents must be considered a possible threat. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorists and their sympathizers to seek softer targets such as public transportation, residential areas, and public areas where people congregate including restaurants, hotels, clubs, and shopping areas. The November 2005 bombings against three Western hotel chains in Jordan; the February 2006 attack on Saudi oil facilities in Abqaiq; the April 2006 bombing in the resort town of Dahab, Egypt; and the September 2006 attacks on the oil facilities near Mukalla and Marib, Yemen and on the U.S. Embassy in Syria underscore the intent of terrorist entities to target facilities perceived to cater to Westerners. Potential targets are not limited to those companies or establishments with overt U.S. ties. For instance, terrorists may target movie theaters, liquor stores, bars, casinos or any similar type establishment, regardless of whether they are owned and operated by host country nationals. Due to varying degrees of security at all such locations, Americans should be particularly vigilant when visiting these establishments.

The sentencing and appeals process of Saddam Hussein, the violence in Iraq, and the clashes between Palestinians and Israelis have the potential to produce demonstrations and unrest throughout the region.
In addition, the Department of State continues to warn of the possibility for violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests in the region. Uncertainty associated with the change in the Palestinian Authority government in the West Bank and Gaza may lead to increased levels of instability in the region. Anti-American violence could include possible terrorist actions against aviation, ground transportation and maritime interests, specifically in the Middle East, including the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa.

The Department is concerned that extremists may be planning to carry out attacks against Westerners and oil workers on the Arabian Peninsula. Armed attacks targeting foreign nationals in Saudi Arabia that resulted in many deaths and injuries, including U.S. citizens, appear to have been preceded by extensive surveillance. Tourist destinations in Egypt that are frequented by Westerners recently have been attacked resulting in many deaths and injuries, including Americans. Extremists may be surveilling Westerners, particularly at hotels, housing areas and rental car facilities. Potential targets may include U.S. contractors, particularly those related to military interests. Financial or economic targets of value may also be considered as possible venues; the failed attack on the Abqaiq oil processing facility in Saudi Arabia in late February 2006 and the September 2006 attack on oil facilities in Yemen are such examples.

Americans considering seaborne travel near the Horn of Africa or in the southern Red Sea should exercise extreme caution, as there have been several incidents of armed attacks and robberies at sea by pirates in the last year. Military action by U.S. and allied navies in several subsequent incidents resulted in the capture or death of pirates threatening international commerce. No U.S. citizens have been hurt in these attacks. When transiting around the Horn of Africa or in the Red Sea near Yemen, it is strongly recommended that vessels travel in convoys, and maintain good communications contact at all times. For more information on piracy off the Horn of Africa, please see the East Africa Public Announcement at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1158.html.

On occasion, the travel of official personnel at embassies and consulates around the world is restricted because of security concerns, and these posts may recommend that private U.S. citizens avoid the same areas if at all possible. Services to U.S. citizens in countries abroad may be affected if employees' movements are restricted. If this happens, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. In case office hours are reduced, U.S. citizens in need of emergency assistance should telephone the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate before visiting in person.

In addition, U.S. citizens planning to travel to the Middle East or North Africa should consult the Department of State's country-specific Public Announcements, Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets, the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement and other information, available on the Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov. Up-to-date information on security conditions can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 in the U.S.
and Canada and, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

Sincerely,

Robert A. Dolce, Consul

US Embassy Abu Dhabi

Valerie Chittenden, Actg. Consul

US Consulate General Dubai

The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi is located at Embassies District, Plot 38, Sector W59-02, Street No. 4. The telephone number is (971)(2)414- 2200, and the Consular Section fax number is (971) (2) 414-2241. The email address for American Citizens Services inquiries is AbudhabiACS@state.gov. The after-hours telephone number is (971)(2) 414-2500. The embassy Internet site is http://uae.usembassy.gov/. The Embassy strongly encourages all Americans visiting or residing in the UAE to register with the Embassy. Registration should be made on-line
at: https://travelregistration.state.gov.

The U.S. Consulate General in Dubai is located on the 21st floor of the Dubai World Trade Center, P.O. Box 9343. The telephone number is
(971)(4) 311-6000, and the Consular Section fax number is (971)(4) 311- 6213. The email address for American Citizens Services inquiries, including passport questions, is dubaiwarden@state.gov. The website for the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai is http://dubai.usconsulate.gov. The Consulate General strongly encourages all Americans visiting or residing in the UAE to register with the Consulate. Registration should be made on-line at:
https://travelregistration.state.gov.

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT WE DO NOT RESPOND TO MESSAGES SENT TO THIS EMAIL ACCOUNT. THIS ADDRESS IS NOT MONITORED FOR INCOMING MAIL.

To: American Citizens in the UAE

The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai have received copies of a DVD from the Department of State, entitled “Being Prepared for Pandemic Influenza”. The DVD is intended to educate USG employees about what they can do to protect and treat themselves and their families during any influenza outbreak (pandemic flu or the common seasonal variety). The DVD contains useful information and guidance on how one can take a practical approach to caring for themselves or family members should they become ill.

Both the Embassy and the Consulate General would be pleased to make this DVD available on a loan basis to any American citizens’ group in the UAE for its internal use. In addition, if a group so desires, a consular officer from the Embassy or Consulate General would be pleased to make a short presentation to the group and answer any additional questions.

If you are interested, please send an email to or telephone:

Embassy Abu Dhabi: Mrs. Khalili, abudhabiacs@state.gov; telephone 02-414-2550.

Consulate General Dubai: Mrs. Tabet, dubaiwardens@state.gov, telephone 04-311-6000.

General information and important links to additional information on Avian Flu is available on the websites of the Embassy (http://uae.usembassy.gov) and Consulate General (http://dubai.usconsulate.gov) or thru the Department of State directly at www.travel.state.gov.

Sincerely,

RobertDolce, Consul

US Embassy ABu Dhabi

Cynthia Ebeid, Consul

US Consulate General Dubai

The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi is located at Embassies District, Plot 38, Sector W59-02, Street No. 4. The telephone number is (971)(2)414-2200, and the Consular Section fax number is (971) (2) 414-2241. The email address for American Citizens Services inquiries is AbudhabiACS@state.gov. The after-hours telephone number is (971)(2)414-2500. The embassy Internet site is http://uae.usembassy.gov/. The Embassy strongly encourages all Americans visiting or residing in the UAE to register with the Embassy. Registration should be made on-line at: https://travelregistration.state.gov.

The U.S. Consulate General in Dubai is located on the 21st floor of the Dubai World Trade Center, P.O. Box 9343. The telephone number is (971)(4) 311-6000, and the Consular Section fax number is (971)(4) 311-6213. The email address for American Citizens Services inquiries, including passport questions, is dubaiwarden@state.gov. The website for the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai is http://dubai.usconsulate.gov. The Consulate General strongly encourages all Americans visiting or residing in the UAE to register with the Consulate. Registration should be made on-line at: https://travelregistration.state.gov.

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT WE DO NOT RESPOND TO MESSAGES SENT TO THIS EMAIL ACCOUNT. THIS ADDRESS IS NOT MONITORED FOR INCOMING MAIL.

Below is an important notice related to voting in 2006 U.S. elections.

It May Not Be Too Late to Register or Request a Ballot

In many states there may still be time for action. The citizen should contact the VAO to determine, using the Voting Assistance Guide (VAG) and the FVAP website www.fvap.gov, if registration is still open and what methods the state allows for expediting the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) and ballot delivery and return.

Deadlines for each state are listed at http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/primarycal.html.

Citizens who submitted an FPCA since January 1, 2004, and do not receive their state absentee ballot, should be able to submit the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Please see your state page in the Voting Assistance Guide (VAG), located at http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/vag/vagchapter3.html. The citizen should obtain a FWAB, available at http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/onlinefwab.html, vote it, fax it (if allowed by the state) and mail it immediately. Please refer to Voting News Release #19 http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/releases/2006/19-2006.html for further details.

The Integrated Voting Alternative Site (IVAS) allows citizens to see what electronic alternatives are permitted for the return of their voted ballot in their state of residence. The site is available through the FVAP website at http://www.fvap.gov/ivas/fvap_state_menu.html.

For assistance, you may contact an FVAP staff member through the DoD Voting Information Center (VIC). The VIC also provides names, political party affiliation, and recorded messages from candidates, as well as other information concerning elections, 24 hours a day. Citizens may reach the VIC toll-free using the toll-free numbers listed on the FVAP website, http://www.fvap.gov/services/tollfree.html. In the U.S. or Canada call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or local (703) 588-1343 or use DSN (military) 425-1343.

Questions regarding the above may also be referred to the Director, Federal Voting Assistance Program, Department of Defense, 1155 Defense Pentagon, Washington DC 20301-1155. Additionally, the FVAP can be reached via e-mail at vote@fvap.ncr.gov and on the World Wide Web at http://www.fvap.gov/.

Sincerely,

RobertDolce, Consul

US Embassy ABu Dhabi

Cynthia Ebeid, Consul

US Consulate General Dubai

The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi is located at Embassies District, Plot 38, Sector W59-02, Street No. 4. The telephone number is (971)(2)414-2200, and the Consular Section fax number is (971) (2) 414-2241. The email address for American Citizens Services inquiries is AbudhabiACS@state.gov. The after-hours telephone number is (971)(2)414-2500. The embassy Internet site is http://uae.usembassy.gov/. The Embassy strongly encourages all Americans visiting or residing in the UAE to register with the Embassy. Registration should be made on-line at: https://travelregistration.state.gov.

The U.S. Consulate General in Dubai is located on the 21st floor of the Dubai World Trade Center, P.O. Box 9343. The telephone number is (971)(4) 311-6000, and the Consular Section fax number is (971)(4) 311-6213. The email address for American Citizens Services inquiries, including passport questions, is dubaiwarden@state.gov. The website for the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai is http://dubai.usconsulate.gov. The Consulate General strongly encourages all Americans visiting or residing in the UAE to register with the Consulate. Registration should be made on-line at: https://travelregistration.state.gov.

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT WE DO NOT RESPOND TO MESSAGES SENT TO THIS EMAIL ACCOUNT. THIS ADDRESS IS NOT MONITORED FOR INCOMING MAIL.