ABU DHABI // Some internet users found microblogging website Twitter was blocked for part of yesterday after what the provider Du described as a "glitch" in its system.
Users of the popular social networking site posted frustrated complaints and screenshots of Du's warning that the website was not accessible because it contained content prohibited by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.
MORE UAE NEWS: Our pick of today's top local news stories
New E11 speed limit cuts accidents by a third Traffic police say rigorous enforcement of 140kph limit on Abu Dhabi-Dubai road has made it safer. Read article
Driver killed after hitting camels Driver dies after his vehicle hits two camels on a road between Dubai and Al Ain. Read article
Desert survival: finding water Water wells provided not only a source of water but also directions for navigating through the desert. Read article
MORE UAE NEWS
The problem appeared to start just before noon.
"The wonderful [Du] has blocked the Twitter website," tweeted Devina Divecha from Dubai under the screen name DevinaDivecha.
"Twitter blocked in the UAE; please help us guys," wrote Mbali Dlamini ("MissMbali").
Iyad Tibi in Dubai, a social media marketing strategist posting under the name iyadtb, asked users whether tweeting was considered haram during Ramadan and posted an image of Du's page blocking the site.
The company's twitter feed, dutweets, assured users that the block was a mistake.
It suggested changing the "http" prefix in the website address to "https" to fix the problem.
Later, the internet provider tweeted an apology. "OK folks, Twitter web is back. Thanks for being patient and light-hearted," it read.
Saugat Chatterjee, the company's manager of public relations, said there was no information available to comment on the temporary blockage of the website.
The UAE has the most active Twitter users among Arab nations, with slightly more than 201,000 people accessing the site, the Dubai School of Government reported in June.
Gulf residents have led the Arab world in their use of Twitter, with about 6.6 million people in the region using the site.
About one-sixth of them are "active", or tweeting at least once every two weeks.
econroy@thenational.ae
INFO
Everton 0
Arsenal 0
Man of the Match: Djibril Sidibe (Everton)
Visit Abu Dhabi culinary team's top Emirati restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Yadoo’s House Restaurant & Cafe
For the karak and Yoodo's house platter with includes eggs, balaleet, khamir and chebab bread.
Golden Dallah
For the cappuccino, luqaimat and aseeda.
Al Mrzab Restaurant
For the shrimp murabian and Kuwaiti options including Kuwaiti machboos with kebab and spicy sauce.
Al Derwaza
For the fish hubul, regag bread, biryani and special seafood soup.
Important questions to consider
1. Where on the plane does my pet travel?
There are different types of travel available for pets:
- Manifest cargo
- Excess luggage in the hold
- Excess luggage in the cabin
Each option is safe. The feasibility of each option is based on the size and breed of your pet, the airline they are traveling on and country they are travelling to.
2. What is the difference between my pet traveling as manifest cargo or as excess luggage?
If traveling as manifest cargo, your pet is traveling in the front hold of the plane and can travel with or without you being on the same plane. The cost of your pets travel is based on volumetric weight, in other words, the size of their travel crate.
If traveling as excess luggage, your pet will be in the rear hold of the plane and must be traveling under the ticket of a human passenger. The cost of your pets travel is based on the actual (combined) weight of your pet in their crate.
3. What happens when my pet arrives in the country they are traveling to?
As soon as the flight arrives, your pet will be taken from the plane straight to the airport terminal.
If your pet is traveling as excess luggage, they will taken to the oversized luggage area in the arrival hall. Once you clear passport control, you will be able to collect them at the same time as your normal luggage. As you exit the airport via the ‘something to declare’ customs channel you will be asked to present your pets travel paperwork to the customs official and / or the vet on duty.
If your pet is traveling as manifest cargo, they will be taken to the Animal Reception Centre. There, their documentation will be reviewed by the staff of the ARC to ensure all is in order. At the same time, relevant customs formalities will be completed by staff based at the arriving airport.
4. How long does the travel paperwork and other travel preparations take?
This depends entirely on the location that your pet is traveling to. Your pet relocation compnay will provide you with an accurate timeline of how long the relevant preparations will take and at what point in the process the various steps must be taken.
In some cases they can get your pet ‘travel ready’ in a few days. In others it can be up to six months or more.
5. What vaccinations does my pet need to travel?
Regardless of where your pet is traveling, they will need certain vaccinations. The exact vaccinations they need are entirely dependent on the location they are traveling to. The one vaccination that is mandatory for every country your pet may travel to is a rabies vaccination.
Other vaccinations may also be necessary. These will be advised to you as relevant. In every situation, it is essential to keep your vaccinations current and to not miss a due date, even by one day. To do so could severely hinder your pets travel plans.
Source: Pawsome Pets UAE
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo hybrid
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 390bhp
Torque: 400Nm
Price: Dh340,000 ($92,579
The specs
Engine: 1.4-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 180hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 250Nm at 3,00rpm
Transmission: 5-speed sequential auto
Price: From Dh139,995
On sale: now
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
Wicked
Director: Jon M Chu
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey