Egypt, UAE Resume First Qatar Flights since 2017

A mask-clad traveller checks in at Doha airport as Qatar and Egypt resumed direct flights for the first time since 2017. (AFP)
A mask-clad traveller checks in at Doha airport as Qatar and Egypt resumed direct flights for the first time since 2017. (AFP)
TT
20

Egypt, UAE Resume First Qatar Flights since 2017

A mask-clad traveller checks in at Doha airport as Qatar and Egypt resumed direct flights for the first time since 2017. (AFP)
A mask-clad traveller checks in at Doha airport as Qatar and Egypt resumed direct flights for the first time since 2017. (AFP)

The first direct flights since 2017 between Qatar and its former rivals Egypt and the UAE took to the skies on Monday, following the end of a regional crisis.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt cut diplomatic and economic ties with Qatar over its support for terrorism.

The quartet agreed to heal the rift at a Gulf summit on January 5 in Saudi Arabia’s AlUla.

The first commercial flight from Qatar to Egypt in three and a half years, an EgyptAir service to Cairo, took off from windswept Doha airport.

It was followed shortly after by the arrival of an Air Arabia flight from Sharjah in the UAE.

A Qatar Airways plane was due to also make the trip to Cairo later Monday.

Flights between Doha and Saudi Arabia, which has also opened its land border to Qatar, resumed on January 11.



Emirati, Israeli Foreign Ministers Discuss De-escalation in Gaza

Emirati Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Saar, in Abu Dhabi on Sunday (WAM) 
Emirati Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Saar, in Abu Dhabi on Sunday (WAM) 
TT
20

Emirati, Israeli Foreign Ministers Discuss De-escalation in Gaza

Emirati Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Saar, in Abu Dhabi on Sunday (WAM) 
Emirati Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Saar, in Abu Dhabi on Sunday (WAM) 

Emirati Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed on Sunday with his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Saar, the growing bilateral relations between the two countries and the latest regional developments, particularly the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

The meeting, held in Abu Dhabi, also addressed regional and international efforts to resume a truce agreement, achieve a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages.

Sheikh Abdullah stressed the priority of working towards a ceasefire and the release of hostages, as well as the importance of avoiding further escalation of the conflict in the region.

He affirmed the UAE’s support for all diplomatic efforts aimed at protecting civilians and enhancing the response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Sheikh Abdullah also reiterated the urgent need to advance a serious political horizon for the resumption of negotiations to achieve a comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution.

The Deputy PM emphasized the importance of ending extremism, rising tensions and violence in the region, and called for the international community to join efforts to fulfil the aspirations of the region’s peoples for security, stability and a dignified life, according to the Emirati official news agency, WAM.

Sheikh Abdullah pointed to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, which necessitates exerting every effort to ensure the safe, sustainable and unhindered flow of urgent humanitarian aid.

He reaffirmed the UAE’s longstanding fraternal and historic stance in support of the Palestinian people, underlining the country’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination, WAM said.

He noted that his country would spare no effort in extending assistance and providing the necessary humanitarian support to meet the Palestinians needs.

“There is a pressing priority of bolstering regional and international efforts to confront extremism, hatred and racism, and of promoting collective international action to spread the values of tolerance, coexistence and human fraternity in the region, which are fundamental pillars for building safe, stable and prosperous societies,” he said.