The alert comes ahead of the cross-country sterilisation drive that's scheduled to take place from 8pm on Thursday.

UAE residents received text messages from the police on Thursday, advising them to #StayHome during the weekend as traffic movement would be restricted.

The text message alert tone rang out like an alarm that lasted for several seconds.

"We would like to inform you that traffic and public movement will be restricted from 8pm till 6am during the weekend," the message from the Dubai Police said.

UAE authorities had announced that a sterilisation drive would be held across the country from tonight.

The sterilisation programme will take place daily from 8pm until 6am the next morning.

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