New beginning for peace in the Middle East

The Abraham Accords took the region by storm and presented one of the most optimistic stories for news organisations following a year of Covid-19 coverage. What started as an unexpected announcement quickly turned into what both sides have called a warm peace that has manifested across all sections of society.

From youth circles to business groups, tech conferences, medical cooperation, tourism initiatives, educational programs, cultural exchanges and more, bilateral trade has sprung in all directions and all at once.

The journey of peace starts with a bold decision by leaders but must then adopted and nourished by the people, and reflected by the media, something we have worked hard to do at Khaleej Times.

The mutual curiosity towards the other side’ is evident, and as a news organisation, we have tried to answer some of the most pressing questions in order to help fill part of the existing knowledge gaps.

We are in close contact with the Jewish community in the UAE who are an integral part of society and whose communities are experiencing significant growth following the Accords.

Several kosher establishments have opened up along with a Jewish school and Mikvah (ritual bath), Jewish holidays have been publicly celebrated, and kippas are no longer a foreign appearance at Dubai malls and hotels.

Within a few months , over 130,000 Israeli tourists visited the UAE, diplomatic missions opened up in both countries, a $10 billion investment was announced, and endless new relationships and friendships have formed. While this peace has already changed perceptions in the region, it’s still only the beginning.