The UAE has submitted a request to the French government to provide Emirati consular services to Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram who was arrested in the country over the weekend and holds UAE citizenship.
Durov has been living in the UAE since 2017, opening the Telegram headquarters in Dubai, and acquired citizenship in 2021. Durov is currently a citizen of four countries - Russia, the Caribbean state of St. Kitts and Nevis, France, and the UAE.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) stressed that prioritising the welfare of UAE citizens, safeguarding their interests, and providing them with all aspects of support is a key priority for the UAE.
Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov was detained at the Paris-Le Bourget airport on Saturday, after arriving by a private plane from Baku, Azerbaijan. He is accused of having failed to moderate criminal activity on the platform.

UAE condemns attack on Indian-flagged ship off Oman coast
UAE, UK ministers discuss regional stability, bilateral ties
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan reviews operations, developments at Jebel Ali Port
Drugs hidden inside passenger’s body seized at Abu Dhabi Airport
UAE President, Montenegro PM discuss stronger bilateral cooperation
Fujairah says pipeline work triggered fire in petroleum industries area
Yas Island announced as location for Sphere Abu Dhabi project
Warning issued on dangers of sudden road stops after 1 dead, 19 injured
UAE says reports of Israeli PM Netanyahu's visit 'entirely unfounded'
UAE launches platform to help Emiratis choose 'right academic, career paths'
Dubai Customs foils attempt to smuggle endangered bears through airport
UAE, Syria Presidents discuss cooperation and regional developments
UAE President, Qatari Emir discuss ties and regional developments
UAE reinforces anti-money laundering standards in gold sector
Eid Al Adha holidays confirmed for Dubai Government entities
UAE President holds talks with US, Saudi Arabia leaders
Dubai's Parkin begins roll out of AI curb-side parking cameras
UAE reviews AI readiness across federal government
From Sweden to India, 10 nurses shortlisted for $250,000 global award
UAE, Kuwaiti Foreign Ministers discuss foiled infiltration operation by Iran's IRGC
