UAE issues updated advisory for citizens in Lebanon

The UAE Embassy in Beirut has issued an advisory to its citizens after a series of protests across the country against proposed new taxes amid a severe economic crisis.

In a tweet, the Embassy urged its citizens to take extra caution and avoid places of demonstrations and protests.

The Embassy also called on citizens to contact them in case of emergencies on the number 009615928000, 0096171111856 and 0097180044444.

Demonstrators in Lebanon are blocking major roads across the country in a second day of protests against proposed new taxes.

Hundreds of people burned tires on highways and intersections on Friday, sending up clouds of black smoke in scattered protests.

Two Syrian workers died Thursday when they were trapped in a shop that was set on fire by rioters. Dozens of people were injured.

The demonstrations began on Thursday evening and quickly escalated into some of the biggest protests in years.

They were sparked when the government announced plans for new taxes on such items as voice calls made through messaging applications, including Whatsapp.

The protests could plunge Lebanon into a political crisis with unpredictable repercussions for the economy, which has been in steady decline.