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Large turnout for
passport renewal
service on the UAE-MOI
The Ministry of Interior’s mobile application,
UAE-MOI, compatible with iOS, Android,
Blackberry and Windows Mobile operating
systems, witnessed a significant turnout
of citizens wishing to avail the passport
renewal, in accordance with convenient
and hassle-free procedures.
Through the Smart Government Program,
the Ministry of Interior urged citizens to
comply with the requirements established
by theProgram, namely uploading the photo
to the system when applying for issuance
and renewal of passports. This would
help prevent any delays in the completion
of their transactions in accordance with
specific conditions designed to streamline
their procedures.
The MoI explained that the requirements
for the passport photo were specifically
designed to help make travelling easier,
and are used to verify travelers’ identity and
ensure they can be easily identified as they
cross international ports and airports. It
added that such requirements are adopted
internationally and are intended to serve
passengers of different nationalities.
Additionally, applicants wishing to issue
new passports or renew old ones must
abide by the requirements set out by
the Naturalization, Residency and Ports
Sector. The photo must be recent, taken
on a white background; with face looking
directly at the camera and not tilted in any
direction. Applicants must remember to
avoid wearing glare-on glasses or colored
contact lenses when taking the photo.
Women should also avoid excessive
makeup, and photos must not be digitally
enhanced or altered to change appearance
in any way.
Seismic alert apps
warn of earthquakes
Mexico Coast residents use the SkyAlert and Alerta Sismica DF
seismic apps that alert them against earthquakes.
Within two seconds that a quake hits, SkyAlert›s sensors send
a broadband signal to phones, triggering a loud sound with a
voice that repeats «seismic alert» and a message indicating the
temblor›s intensity.
This app, developed in 2001, was connected to CIRES, but
SkyAlert split from the CIRES system after Alejandro Cantu,
SkyAlert’s founder, traveled to Japan and brought back theAsian
country›s sensor.
The app has 3 million users. In May, the company charged users
$3.5 a year to personalize their alerts. It has quickly become a
popular application, but last year when it issued a false alarm to
its customers.
Apps