She is expected to ask for more visas for foreign aid workers as the Syrian Arab Red Crescent struggles to distribute food.

BBC: Syria crisis: China hosts Assad aide Bouthaina Shaaban

The quake was felt across the Gulf in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, where workers were evacuated from high-rise buildings as a precaution.

NPR: Iran Says 32 Killed In Earthquake In South

Most of those on board are thought to have been overseas workers based in the United Arab Emirates.

BBC: NEWS | Middle East | Eyewitnesses tell of Emirates crash

At least 22 Asian workers have been killed and 24 injured in a road accident in the United Arab Emirates, police say.

BBC: Asian workers die in UAE accident

The United Arab Emirates has the money to finance ambitious new projects, but it relies on foreign workers to build and run them.

NPR: Black Gold Finances the Dreams for Abu Dhabi

In the United Arab Emirates, an economic consultant in Dubai points out, most bank staff are South Asian immigrant workers on tenuous contracts.

ECONOMIST: A worldwide attempt to stop finance for terrorists