UAE nationals will be allowed to travel to Lebanon from today (October 8).
Emirati nationals had been banned from travelling to the neighbouring country since the start of the Syrian Civil War, amid heightened fears over potential kidnappings and other safety and security concerns.
However, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has announced that the restrictions have been lifted.
Undersecretary Khalid Belhoul said the decision was taken following assurances over the security of ports in Lebanon and guarantees from the Lebanese government on safety around these areas.
He also said he hoped the move would help strengthen the ‘brotherly relations that unite the UAE with Lebanon’, according to a report by news agency WAM.
The news comes following a meeting between Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Saad Hariri, Prime Minister of Lebanon, on Monday.
During the meeting held at Al Bahr Palace, they discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them across all levels, especially in the economic, investment and development domains in the best interest of the two fraternal countries.
They reviewed the latest Middle East, GCC, and Arab developments and their repercussions on regional and international security. They also tackled Arab, regional and global issues of mutual interest.
In February this year Saudi Arabia lifted its advice to citizens not to travel to Lebanon.
