UAE welcomed over 150,000 Israeli tourists in 10 months

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Israel allowed all Covid-19 vaccinated foreigners to visit the country from March 1, 2022 and since then around 1,600 Emirati nationals arrived in Israel from UAE, Pini Shani, senior vice president, Israel Ministry of Tourism, said.

On the other hand, more than 150,000 Israeli tourists visited the UAE in the last 10 months of 2022. And with the two countries mulling increasing flight frequency, this year also looks more promising in terms of tourism growth between the UAE and Israel.

The two Middle Eastern countries opened their borders after the signing of the Abraham Accord in September 2020.

Currently, there is good connectivity between the UAE and Israel, with 70 weekly flights operated by Emirates, FlyDubai, Etihad, EL-Al, and Israir.

“We hope to increase flight frequency to boost tourism from the UAE and worldwide, especially from Southeast Asia, Oceania, and more,” Shani told Khaleej Times in an interview after his recent visit to the UAE.

“Starting in March 2022, we lifted the travel restrictions, and more than 150,000 Israelis travelled to UAE during this period. Israeli tourists are great spenders as they love to spend money while travelling and exploring. UAE nationals and expats are spending $180 (Dh 661) per day, excluding flights. Business travellers spend even more but stay less days in Israel,” Shani added.

During a visit to the UAE last month, the Israel Ministry of Tourism’s SVP met travel and tourism industry executives and explored business opportunities by offering tour operators the opportunity to collaborate with Israel in an incentive or joint marketing agreement.

Israel Ministry of Tourism provides a 20 euros (Dh78) reward to a travel agency for each tourist arriving in Israel for at least four nights.

Shani added that Israel can provide perfect conditions for the UAE and GCC visitors, including Halal food restaurants, Arabic-speaking tour guides, Islamic tourism sites and family-oriented hotels and places.

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