Around 130,000 Israeli Tourists Visited UAE Since Normalization Deal

Israeli tourist at Dubai International airport. AFP
Israeli tourist at Dubai International airport. AFP
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Around 130,000 Israeli Tourists Visited UAE Since Normalization Deal

Israeli tourist at Dubai International airport. AFP
Israeli tourist at Dubai International airport. AFP

Around 130,000 Israeli tourists had visited the UAE since diplomatic relations were established in September's Abraham Accords, said Eitan Naeh, Head of Mission at the newly-opened Israeli Embassy in Abu Dhabi.

He heard from tourism industry sources that nearly 50,000 Israelis a month may visit the UAE during the winter season.

Once the vaccination against COVID-19 is complete in both countries, Naeh expects increased tourist traffic.

He said that existing air and sea links permit goods to transit between the two countries within a few hours and via shipping routes in 16 days.

“I truly believe that the UAE on the eastern part of Arabia and Israel on the western part of Asia – on the Mediterranean – can create a trade corridor through land and sea [to the rest of the world],” Naeh added.

"Business communities in Israel and the UAE are now looking into ways to increase trade. Each country brings its relative advantage. We have trade agreements with the West [US and European Union],
he said, adding that the UAE is an opening to the East.

The envoy pointed out that both countries have an advanced infrastructure.

Israel has identified around 29 potential areas for cooperation with the UAE and bilateral agreements in eight areas have already been signed, he said.

On investment, he said talks were already held with some investment companies from Israel that want to come and invest in the UAE.

Regarding the science and technology sector, setting up joint research and development centers where each country can bring its expertise and advantage, is a potential priority, he stressed.



Saudi Arabia Hopes Two-State Solution Alliance Meeting Would Reach Practical Steps in Backing Peace

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the Cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the Cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Hopes Two-State Solution Alliance Meeting Would Reach Practical Steps in Backing Peace

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the Cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the Cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)

The Saudi government hoped on Tuesday that the first meeting of the first high-level meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution would reach practical steps supporting UN efforts and peace initiatives and establish a timeline for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and end the Israeli occupation.

The meeting will be held in Riyadh on Wednesday.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired the Cabinet meeting that was held in Riyadh.

At the beginning of the session, Crown Prince Mohammed briefed the Cabinet on the details of the telephone call he received from Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and on his meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The Cabinet reviewed the outcomes of Saudi Arabia's recent participation in international meetings. This is a testimony to Saudi Arabia's commitment to strengthening partnerships and expanding cooperation in all fields to support multilateral efforts for development, prosperity, and addressing global challenges.

It reiterated the Kingdom's stance at the BRICS Plus 2024 Summit, emphasizing its rejection of the escalation in the region. It highlighted the severe threat posed by the ongoing Israeli war on the Gaza Strip to both regional and international security and underscored the urgency of an immediate ceasefire, the need of unhindered humanitarian aid, and a firm commitment to achieving lasting peace.

The Cabinet reiterated the Kingdom's emphasis at the International Conference in Support of Lebanon's People and Sovereignty on the need for collective assistance for Lebanon in facing its current crisis, mitigating its humanitarian consequences, and aiding the Lebanese state institutions in fulfilling their constitutional duties to establish sovereignty over all of Lebanon's territories.

Furthermore, during a conference hosted by the Kingdom, the Cabinet expressed its appreciation for the pledges of countries and donor entities to provide financial and in-kind contributions to support displaced people and refugees in the Sahel and Lake Chad region. The conference hosting is part of Saudi Arabia's keenness to respond to all efforts serving humanitarian causes and assisting affected and devastated communities worldwide.

The Cabinet welcomed the participants in the 8th edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII8) conference, which kicked off in Riyadh on Tuesday under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The Cabinet looks forward to the conference contributing to boosting efforts to achieve economic stability and just development, combat climate change globally, and address issues related to artificial intelligence, innovation, and health.

The Cabinet highlighted the agreements and memoranda of understanding signed during the Energy Localization Forum involving 117 entities from the public and private sectors. The deals, worth around SAR104 billion, aim to bolster localization efforts in the energy sector and develop human capital.

Additionally, the Cabinet commended the outcomes of the Multilateral Industrial Policy Forum (MIPF) organized by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The Cabinet underlined discussions during the forum on the role of industrial policies in boosting industrial integration between countries, empowering global supply chains, encouraging entrepreneurship, and leveraging modern and emerging technologies.

The Cabinet lauded the recent launches and agreements worth more than SAR55 billion announced at the Global Health Exhibition held in Riyadh, which aim to invest in the latest global technologies, strengthen international partnerships, localize pharmaceutical industries, and support research and development, showcasing the Kingdom's leadership in the health sector.

Additionally, the Cabinet highlighted the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques of the inaugural Global Corporate Social Responsibility Forum. It commended the forum for facilitating the signing of memoranda of understanding and discussions expected to open new horizons for sustainable social development, further boosting the Kingdom's achievements in this area.