This year is a special year, as the Jewish New Year and the anniversary of the Abraham Accords are celebrated on the same day. Rosh Hashanah translates directly to "the beginning of the year" and it is only a matter of time, but can also represent the beginning of a new era and a new outlook. It is also a time to think and look to the future. The Abraham Accords were signed by our leaders with the vision of bringing peace and prosperity to our region.
There are a few moments in life that stand out in their importance. On a personal level, I remember the moment when the UAE and Israel announced new relations. A month later, when the agreements were finalized, it was something I had always hoped for. These were significant advantages far beyond diplomatic ones. Huge opportunities for our people, businesses, technology and tourism.
Dubai: Manhattan of the Middle East, photo: Yael Ron Yaakobi
Dubai is fast becoming the next big global hub for Israelis doing business. This is reflected in the increasing number of Israeli companies coming to Dubai, and we see the impact every day at DMCC, where there has been a 42% increase in the number of new Israeli members since the beginning of this year. I believe Dubai offers a platform for Israeli businesses to thrive and vice versa. We see more Israeli companies opening offices and hanging mezuzot in the DMCC. This is the reality of the Abraham Accords on the ground and I couldn't be more proud.
Another exciting development is in the field of travel and tourism. I have been traveling to Israel since 2001 and many who traveled between our countries during that time will remember the different and never-ending intermediate flights to reach our ultimate destinations. It was the exact opposite of the business term. Three years since the agreements, and today there are more than 200 direct flights every week between Israel and the UAE. Israeli tourism to Dubai is soaring. Even the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, now houses the first kosher restaurant in the UAE. All this is possible thanks to the Abraham Accords.
Fine Restaurants - Kosher in Dubai // Photo: Yael Ron Yaakobi
Burj Khalifa, Dubai, Photo: Yael Ron Yaakobi
When I look back at the past three years, I am filled with hope for what our future together will look like. It shares a similar message with Rosh Hashanah or Ras al-Sneh, as we say in Arabic as we focus on the beginning of a new year, and a new chapter in our bilateral relations. The Abraham Accords ushered in a new chapter in the Middle East focused on peace and prosperity for us all. My hope for the coming year is that we will see even more cooperation between our business, technology and tourism sectors. May we continue to form lasting friendships and relationships.
I wish you a happy and sweet New Year, a sweet year full of good health, happiness and prosperity, and that the success of the Abraham Accords and its continued progress will continue to have a domino effect throughout the region. We are stronger together.
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