The President Mrs.Pratibha Devisingh Patil launched a 24-hour helpline and counseling service in Dubai to help Indian workers in distress in the United Arab Emirates, UAE. The helpline has been started by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA).Addressing the Indian Diaspora, the President said that she is happy to launch the centre which would provide assistance to Indian workers community in the United Arab Emirates.Talking to All India Radio, Secretary Ministry of Overseas Indians, Dr.A.Didar Singh said, the helpline would facilitate early succor to distressed employees. The President is on a five-day official visit to the UAE where as many as 1.75 million Indians work. She reached Dubai last evening following her interaction with Abu Dhabi business community .She also inaugurated the much awaited Indian Islamic Centre at Abu Dhabi. Its foundation stone was laid by the former Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi. She also visited Abu Dhabi Indian School and interacted with the children. President Patil will meet Vice-President, PM of UAE and ruler of Dubai to discuss issues of bilateral ,regional and global importance.