France is introducing a new text alert system which can be used to warn people in any given area of a major incident, such as a terrorist attack. AP
France is introducing a new text alert system which can be used to warn people in any given area of a major incident, such as a terrorist attack. AP
France is introducing a new text alert system which can be used to warn people in any given area of a major incident, such as a terrorist attack. AP
France is introducing a new text alert system which can be used to warn people in any given area of a major incident, such as a terrorist attack. AP

‘FR-Alert system’ tested in France to warn public of serious incidents


Nicky Harley
  • English
  • Arabic

France is to introduce a new system, called FR-Alert, which will enable authorities to alert everyone in a particular area of a major incident.

The scheme will allow officials to send a text message a number of localised people without the need for an app.

The system, to be launched at the end of this month, will boost communications from French emergency services, such as those on social media and news alerts.

It will be used for emergencies and major incidents such as terrorist attacks or severe flooding.

Any phone receiving the new alerts — even if it is on silent — will make a noise and vibrate.

The message will contain details of the risk, its location, and any behaviour required by people in that area to ensure their protection.

Messages will be sent in French, although authorities say there is scope for other languages to be used if an incident takes place in an area popular with tourists.

Officials carried out tests of the new system in the Rhone area on Tuesday.

"The population alert and information system #FrAlert is being tested today in the Rhone department. If you are in the exercise zone, you may receive an alert notification," security officials said.

France's Interior Ministry said the system would be used for “any type of major event that justifies alerting the population concerned to ensure their safety”.

"FR-Alert makes it possible to notify anyone with a mobile phone in real time of their presence in a danger zone in order to inform them of the behaviour to adopt to protect themselves," it said in a statement.

"It will make it possible to alert the population in a few seconds."

The ministry said a number of security exercises were being carried out in which "the sending of the alert notification will be tested".

"If residents are in one of the areas determined by the exercise scenario, you will be able to receive a notification accompanied by a specific sound signal, even if your mobile phone is in silent mode," it said.

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

Dates for the diary

To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:

  • September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
  • October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
  • October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
  • November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
  • December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
  • February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.

Huroob Ezterari

Director: Ahmed Moussa

Starring: Ahmed El Sakka, Amir Karara, Ghada Adel and Moustafa Mohammed

Three stars

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Evacuations to France hit by controversy
  • Over 500 Gazans have been evacuated to France since November 2023
  • Evacuations were paused after a student already in France posted anti-Semitic content and was subsequently expelled to Qatar
  • The Foreign Ministry launched a review to determine how authorities failed to detect the posts before her entry
  • Artists and researchers fall under a programme called Pause that began in 2017
  • It has benefited more than 700 people from 44 countries, including Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Sudan
  • Since the start of the Gaza war, it has also included 45 Gazan beneficiaries
  • Unlike students, they are allowed to bring their families to France
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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4.0-litre%20flat%206-cylinder%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7-speed%20PDK%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E500hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E450Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDh530%2C300%20as%20tested%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The White Lotus: Season three

Creator: Mike White

Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell

Rating: 4.5/5

BMW M5 specs

Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor

Power: 727hp

Torque: 1,000Nm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh650,000

Updated: June 07, 2022, 12:22 PM`