Israelis enjoy visa-free stays in UAE

Tens of thousands of Israelis passing through Dubai en route to destinations in the Far East are enjoying visa-free stays in the UAE, Ma’an reported yesterday.

This is in spite of the Gulf state stating Israelis are not allowed in the country with the Dubai Development and Investment Authority (DDIA) website stating: “Israeli nationals will not be issued visas.” The UAE monarchy has officially refused to recognise Israel’s right to exist.

However, Israel’s Channel 2 TV pointed out that Israeli citizens can enter the Arab country and enjoy some stopover time in the emirate without visas.

The revelation comes at a time of increased speculation that relations between the two countries are improving, behind closed doors. With Israel opened its first diplomatic mission in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 27 November 2015.