DUBAI, Jan 21: The US consulate in Dubai was closed on Wednesday in response to security alert, the US embassy in Abu Dhabi, said in a statement.

“Based on security information specific to the Consulate General provided by Dubai authorities, the US Consulate General in Dubai will be closed to the public on Jan 21, 2009,” said an embassy statement sent to US citizens.

“This includes the suspension of routine American citizen services and visa interviews.” However, the Dubai police described the consulate’s action as an “exaggeration,” the state nwes agency WAM said. Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan of the Dubai police said an unidentified person had filed a report, but after arresting the suspect it turned out to be “a malicious report for personal vengeance issues.—AFP