Emirati Planes Touch Down in Beirut: First Flights Post Travel Ban Lifted
On Wednesday, two Emirati commercial aircraft touched down at the Rafik Hariri International Airport following the lifting of the UAE’s travel restrictions on Lebanon.
Flowers were distributed to the arriving Emirati citizens at the airport as they expressed joy for being able to visit Lebanon after the latest changes that the country witnessed, especially the election of a new president.
Emirati visitors have mentioned that an increasing number of their compatriots plan to travel to Lebanon in the upcoming days, praising the hospitable reception they experienced.
Speaking at the airport, Information Minister Paul Morcos said the resumption of Emirati flights to Lebanon contributes to building confidence between Lebanon and the UAE, noting that ministerial committees are following up to resolve any obstacles impeding the travel of Gulf citizens to Lebanon.
"Morcos stated that Lebanon is keen on reviving its tourism sector and enhancing relationships with various countries. They urge people to visit Lebanon. The nation looks forward to welcoming Emiratis and individuals from the Gulf region, anticipating their arrival," Morcos emphasized.
The Lebanese newspaper Nidaa al-Watan reported on Tuesday that following the United Arab Emirates' decision to allow its citizens to visit Lebanon, other member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council are likely to adopt similar measures in the coming months.
"Extensive discussions are underway with political and security authorities, including a significant meeting Prime Minister Nawaf Salam plans to have today (Tuesday) with the GCC ambassadors. This meeting aims to outline the steps Lebanon’s government has implemented at the airport, its surrounding areas, and along the approach roads, all designed to reassure these nations ahead of their potential decision to lift travel restrictions," said a "well-informed source" according to the daily newspaper.
"Future gatherings will take place involving several ambassadors and high-ranking security officers to review the implemented actions and eliminate any legal or security impediments," the source further stated.
The decision by the Emirates followed President Joseph Aoun’s meeting with his UAE counterpart Mohamed bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi last Wednesday, subsequently leading to the announcement that the restriction would be removed.
In 2021, following criticism of the Riyadh-led military operation in Yemen by a Lebanese minister, the United Arab Emirates implemented a travel ban and recalled its diplomats from Beirut in support of Saudi Arabia.
Citizens of Lebanon were not prohibited from visiting the UAE; however, some encountered challenges when trying to get their visas approved.
Relations between Beirut and Abu Dhabi have deteriorated over the last ten years due to Hezbollah's impact on Lebanon.
But with the group weakened by its recent war with Israel, the UAE is the latest Gulf country to renew its interest in Lebanon.
In March, Saudi Arabia announced it would reconsider the "barriers" preventing the reinstatement of Lebanese imports and lift the restriction on its residents traveling to Lebanon.
