ABU DHABI — The United Arab Emirates has started issuing tourist visas to Israeli citizens, the country's foreign ministry has announced. In a statement on Thursday carried by the state news agency WAM, the foreign ministry said that tourist visas for Israeli citizens will be issued through airlines, travel and tourism companies until procedures for the constitutional ratification of the mutual visa waiver agreement between the two countries are completed. The move falls within bilateral cooperation between the UAE and Israel following the signing of the Abraham Accords and aims to facilitate travel to the UAE for the time being. The accords include travel procedures for Emirati and Israeli citizens that are expected to enter into force shortly. The UAE Cabinet on Nov. 1 ratified the agreement between the UAE and Israel regarding the mutual exemption from entry visa requirements. UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan signed the Abraham Accords between the UAE and Israel on Sept. 15, 2020, opening a new page of relations between the two countries and double efforts to enhance stability and security in the region. A UAE governmental delegation visited Israel on Oct. 20 and discussed cooperation in the fields of investment, trade and technology. The two sides also signed agreements in various economic sectors. The working groups are advancing a number of bilateral initiatives in various key sectors, including logistics, air links, tourism, cultural exchange, education, medicine, scientific research, and telecommunications.
