Emirati child missing after Nile cruise

An Emirati chid has gone missing while on holiday in Egypt.

The youngster, Hamad Abdullah Al Ali, was reported missing on Friday after taking part in a cruise on the River Nile.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs received a call from the boy's father saying his son had fallen into the river, Wam, the state news agency reported.

Juma Mubarak Al Junaibi, undersecretary of the Ministry, said: "Upon taking the accident report, the ministry immediately swung into action, instructing the UAE Embassy in Cairo to approach the concerned authorities in Egypt to take necessary measures to search for the child."

He added the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had coordinated with the Ministry of Interior to despatch a search and rescue team to Egypt.

The team was expected to arrive in Cairo last night. Mr Al Junaibi added the Ministry gives top priority to the welfare of Emirati citizens abroad and will spare no effort to provide them with assistance.