At Dubai International Airport. ARCHIVE

The UAE has officially lifted a three-year ban on Emiratis travelling to Lebanon, following diplomatic discussions between UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. The announcement was made in a joint statement issued on Thursday (May 1), just a day after the leaders met in Abu Dhabi to strengthen bilateral ties. “The two sides agreed to allow travel for citizens by implementing necessary procedures and mechanisms to ease movement between the two countries,” the statement read. The ban was originally imposed in 2021 after a Lebanese minister criticized the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen, leading to diplomatic tensions across the Gulf. Though Lebanese citizens were not banned from traveling to the UAE, many faced visa difficulties. During the meeting at Qasr Al Shati, Sheikh Mohamed reaffirmed the UAE’s support for Lebanon’s “security, stability, and sovereignty” and emphasized the importance of Lebanon as a “key pillar of joint Arab action.” Aoun expressed appreciation for the UAE’s continued support and praised the nation’s efforts in bolstering regional stability. The UAE and Lebanon also agreed to form a joint Business Council and to strengthen cooperation across economic, investment, and government sectors. A delegation from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development will visit Lebanon to explore potential joint projects. ICA/Expat Media
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