UAE nationals to be allowed to travel to Lebanon from Tuesday

UAE nationals will be allowed to travel to Lebanon from Tuesday, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation has announced today.

Khalid Belhoul, undersecretary at the ministry, said the decision was reached after the ministry followed up with the Lebanese government about the security of country’s entry ports.

The Lebanese government also made guarantees about the security of the ports.

The recent move is expected to strengthen relations between the two countries.

Emirati nationals had been banned from traveling to Lebanon since the beginning of the Syrian civil war. Fear of kidnappings and a spillover from the conflict prompted the travel restrictions then.

Saudi Arabia said in February that it was lifting its advice to citizens not to travel to Lebanon, where Gulf tourism was once a mainstay of the economy.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, met Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri in the UAE capital earlier on Monday.

The two leaders discussed ways to boost ties between the nations during talks at Al Bahr Palace.

Mr Hariri arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday for a two-day tour, speaking at the UAE-Lebanon Investment Forum.

During the visit he was also welcomed by Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, executive director of the Martyrs' Families' Affairs Office. The two toured Wahat Al Karama, Abu Dhabi’s national and cultural landmark to commemorate UAE martyrs, and Mr Hariri signed a visitors log, praising the bravery and heroism of the fallen UAE soldiers. ‏‪

he Lebanese leader is looking to find support from Gulf states to help overcome the country’s ailing economy.

Sheikh Mohamed affirmed the UAE's commitment to bolstering its friendship with its Middle East neighbour and helping to strengthen its security and stability during the high-level meeting.

The two leaders discussed the latest Middle East, GCC, and Arab developments and their repercussions on regional and international security.

Mr Hariri expressed his gratitude to the UAE for its continued support to Lebanon while facing challenges.

The National