UAE to lift Lebanon travel ban from May 7

A ban on UAE citizens travelling to Lebanon will be lifted from May 7, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday.

It follows Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s visit to Abu Dhabi, where he met President Sheikh Mohamed.

UAE citizens must register in the Foreign Ministry's Tawajudi service before travelling, whether directly through UAE airports or from any other country. Those wishing to travel are prohibited from leaving the country before registration is completed.

Citizens must specify their place of residence in Lebanon, update information if it changes, and specify emergency contact numbers and reasons for visit.

Positive step

Mr Aoun thanked the UAE for lifting the travel ban in a phone call with Sheikh Mohamed, state news agency Wam reported on Sunday.

He said the move epitomised the UAE's enduring support for the Lebanese people and expressed his hope for closer co-operation to advance the interests of both nations.

Mr Aoun's government is seeking to boost relations with the Gulf after years of internal political turmoil in Lebanon. Most of the Gulf states have effectively prohibited their citizens from travel since 2023, and there had been on-and-off bans before that.

The UAE is home to 90,000 Lebanese citizens – the number is closer to 200,000 if dual citizens are counted.

Lebanese have faced strict checks when applying for visit and work visas in the Emirates in recent years, and Mr Aoun said he hopes to find a way to ease the situation.

Flights to Beirut with national carriers Emirates and Etihad, from Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively, are available for between Dh1,200 and Dh1,500 ($326 to $408).

Responding to the lifting of the ban, Lebanese Prime Minister Dr Nawaf Salam said it is evidence of the depth of the relationship between the UAE and Lebanon. He also thanked Sheikh Mohamed.

"Lebanon and the Lebanese are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their Emirati brothers, as are all our brothers in the Gulf and all other Arab countries in Lebanon,” Mr Salam said.

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First Job: Abu Dhabi Department of Petroleum in 1974
Current role: Chairperson of Al Maskari Holding since 2008
Career high: Regularly cited on Forbes list of 100 most powerful Arab Businesswomen
Achievement: Helped establish Al Maskari Medical Centre in 1969 in Abu Dhabi’s Western Region
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