Emiratis welcome visa waiver
WAIVER EXPECTED TO EASE TRAVEL AND INCREASE TOURISM BETWEEN UAE AND EUROPE
They say the decision to allow visa-free travel will bring with it a lot of other benefits for both the UAE and the Schengen countries
Emiratis have welcomed the decision to exempt them from the need to obtain prior visas to 34 European countries, including 26 Schengen states. In interviews with Gulf News, a number of Emiratis confirmed their satisfaction following the official announcement, and agreed that the decision will help make their travel arrangements much smoother than before.
They also agreed that the decision will bring with it a lot of other benefits for both the UAE and the Schengen countries.
UAE citizens are now permitted to visit many European countries that are a part of the Schengen area without having to obtain a visa prior to travel and need only to produce their passport at the airport of entry.
They will then be eligible to stay for 90 uninterrupted days, or six months with interruption. In emergencies, citizens must coordinate with the UAE missions in these countries to get permission for longer stays.
Abdullah Al Hadeya, a 51-year-old Emirati poet and lecturer who has been eagerly waiting for the official announcement, said he has been very up-to-date with the news since the proposal to grant the UAE Schengen visa-free status was passed by the European Parliament in June last year.
“This is not only a great decision but a great step which will allow the exchange of cultures, knowledge and civilisations between the UAE and the visa-free countries,” said Al Hadeya. “All Emiratis love to travel to Europe, and I’m certain that they will travel way more than before following the decision.”
Success of UAE diplomacy
Al Hadeya said that apart from the fact that it will make travel arrangements easier for them, “it reflects the success of UAE diplomacy.”
He added that this will increase tourism in Europe and the UAE at the same time because there will be a mutual understanding between Emiratis and Europeans.
Rashid Al Shehi, 38, a government employee, also said both the UAE and the visa-free countries will benefit from the exemption.
“Tourism to Europe will double and tourism to the UAE will also double. A lot of Emiratis delay their travel or choose to visit other countries because of the long visa application process. Now they can travel whenever they want to without thinking about any of these things,” said Al Shehi.
He said that whenever Emiratis get a few days off work, they can just book a ticket and travel.
Shaikha Al Mutairi, Head of the National Cultural Division at the Juma Al Majid Centre, told Gulf News that since she enjoys travelling to Europe more than four times a year, the visa waiver will encourage her to visit more countries in Europe because she doesn’t have to think about the long process of getting a visa.
“The whole process of getting your documents ready to apply for a visa was very discouraging. In many instances Emiratis were not allowed access and were questioned because there was a misprint on the visa, but now these things will never happen again,” said Shaikha.
Mansour Al Hashemi, 21, a student at Abu Dhabi University, was delighted that Emiratis can now travel to these European states.
“I’m pleased to hear about the exemption. This shows how the UAE has been able to make its mark on the world. Tourists from Europe will now be more aware of the UAE and its achievements and in return this will encourage them to visit our nation, see the diversity that exists here and explore our city, culture and heritage,” said Al Hashemi.
Ahmad Al Mutairi, 23, a cadet pilot at Etihad Airways, believes the move will increase businesses and trade between the UAE and these countries.
“UAE citizens will have the motive of opening up businesses in Europe increasing Europe’s finances and their Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Businessmen from Europe will also feel the same way, which in return will benefit our country’s GDP,” said Al Mutairi.