Emirates news agency – United Arab Emirates, Israel review growing economic ties, agree to promote tourism cooperation

ABU DHABI, October 16, 2021 (WAM) – Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and SMEs, met with Israeli Minister of Tourism Yoel Razvozov at the opening of the Israeli pavilion at the Expo 2020 Dubai to review economic cooperation and increased direct flights between the two nations.

The two ministers deliberated on the prospects of new business opportunities in priority sectors, accelerating non-oil trade and diversifying bilateral investments in the post-pandemic phase.

“The relationship between the UAE and Israel continues to grow and we are determined to develop them further in the coming period,” said Al Falasi, noting that Expo 2020 Dubai represents a valuable business opportunity. Israeli women to take advantage of the opportunities to be seized during the world fair. He noted that non-oil trade between the two countries amounted to $ 700 million in the first year following the signing of the Abrahamic Accord Peace Accord.

“UAE tourism and hotel establishments have achieved high occupancy rates over the past period, surpassing 10 of the world’s most visited tourist destinations. An achievement that would not have been achieved without the efforts of the United Arab Emirates. country level to eradicate the challenges triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, ”said the Minister.

For his part, the Israeli minister declared: “On the occasion of the first anniversary of the signing of the Peace Accord of the Abrahamic Accords, we affirm the impressive success achieved during the period elapsed by the two nations in particular. at the tourist level.

“Despite movement restrictions associated with the pandemic, tourism trade between the two countries has seen significant momentum, with around 250,000 Israeli tourists visiting the United Arab Emirates in the past period. And we expect cooperation in this area to develop further in the coming period, “he said, noting that the tourism sector is a pillar for the development of economic relations between the two countries. .