The UAE authorities have introduced new curbs at the Oman border linking Al Ain and Buraimi.

The new restrictions came into effect from Tuesday (July 15) with the change of entry and exit points for Emiratis, GCC nationals, and UAE expatriates, a Gulf News report said.

Under the new arrangements, Emiratis and anyone travelling with them and the nationals of other GCC countries will be using Al Hili checkpoint to enter or exit the UAE.

Expatriates on UAE resident visas will only be able to enter Buraimi through the border point of Khatam Al Shukla (KAS), some 15 km away in the north-east of the city.

The Mudeef border crossing has been closed down and the Department of Naturalisation and Residency and police have placed barriers to stop the traffic.

Following the restrictions a large number of people have shifted their residences from Buraimi to Al Ain, creating an acute shortage of flats and villas in the city, the report said.