The government in Abu Dhabi has signed a document that will allow citizens of the State of Israel to visit its territory without the need for an entry visa • Israel is expected to grant a similar permit to citizens of the Emirates
El Al plane at Abu Dhabi airport // Photo: Reuters
The Federal Cabinet of the United Arab Emirates today (Sunday) ratified the mutual visa agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, an agreement that will allow tourists and business people to move between countries without the need for an entry visa.
"The Cabinet has ratified several agreements between the United Arab Emirates government and friendly governments, including ratification of an agreement revoking the need for reciprocal visas with Israel," the state news agency WAM said in a statement.
The agreement, unveiled and signed two weeks ago, is one of the great achievements of the peace agreement with the UAE, will allow tourists from Israel to visit all seven UAEs without the need for an entry visa and will allow UAE citizens similar entry into Israel.
The agreement may assist tourism in Israel and the United Arab Emirates and is the first of its kind between Israel and any Arab state. The government and the Knesset in Israel are expected to announce ratification of the agreement by Israel in the coming days.