UAE: Lebanese expats rejoice as travel to ease between both countries, ties deepen
Lebanese people living in the UAE are filled with happiness and optimism due to the recent news of easing travel to Lebanon from the UAE.
This was announced after the visit of the Lebanese president Joseph Aoun to the UAE, where the UAE President Sheikh Mohamed also had a meeting with him. The two leaders discussed synergies, possible collaborations for mutual assistance, and making travel less complicated for the people.
Rami Daoud, a Lebanese expat in Dubai working as a sales executive for a home lightning firm expressed his views. “This is excellent news. My boss happens to be an Emirati and has told me a couple of times that he wants to visit Lebanon,” said Rami, adding that the current circumstances along with the order from the authorities made it difficult to implement.
“I had tried to invite him before, but it wasn’t easy. Now, I feel that I can finally invite him and show him Lebanon, the food, the nature, and the people, which is truly beautiful.”
Salem Al Suwaidi, a PR professional in Abu Dhabi, mentions that he had planned a trip to Lebanon in 2022 but never went. “I wanted to go, but due to some engagements, I couldn’t, and it didn’t work out then.” He added, “In 2023, the authorities instructed us to avoid traveling.”
“I really want to visit Lebanon now; I’ve heard so much about Lebanon’s culture and mountains; I hope I will see some of the best places,” he said.
Another Lebanese national residing in Abu Dhabi, Elie Nasr, said parents who want to vacation in the UAE will benefit from this. “My parents live in Lebanon, and now that traveling is more accessible, I can bring them here more often. It’s a big relief,” he said.
“This demonstrates that both nations are moving closer to each other. It underlines the fact that the UAE continues to support all of its residents.” In addition to the two participating countries' business and governmental collaboration, they will also strategize to further assist one another.
The UAE is certainly making it easier for Lebanese citizens in the Arab region. For a number of Lebanese expatriates residing in the UAE, this news rekindles the hope of staying connected to their birthplace more often.
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