Israel and the United Arab Emirates have signed a historic agreement to boost tourism between the two countries.

The agreement was signed yesterday (Tuesday) in Dubai between the Israeli Minister of Tourism, Yoel Razvozov, and the UAE Minister of State for Entrepreneurship & SMEs, HE Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi.

This is yet another step in strengthening the political and business ties between Israel and the UAE, encouraging mutual tourism, promoting joint tourism packages, training employees in tourism and hospitality, and sharing knowledge between the countries.

For the Israeli economy, this is a tremendous opportunity to bring billions of shekels a year by directing into Israel some of the 100-million-a-year traffic going through airports in the Emirates. An influx of tourists means more jobs, new businesses, and better livelihoods for employees in the tourism industry.

“It’s a historical moment and an important step in our relations with the UAE. We call upon all the Gulf States to follow our lead and build a new regional reality based on prosperity, security, and stability for our people,” tweeted Minister Razvozov. “We can establish meaningful relations that will result in great economic benefits for our markets and tourism industries.”

As Passport News first broke in Hebrew, Minister Razvozov set out to sign the said agreement on Sunday, February 6, in the wake of some security concerns threatening to halt flights by Israeli airlines to the Emirates and back.

Minister Razvozov address this issue as well: “I am happy about the temporary solution to the issue of flights between the countries, so we can continue to visit each other. This issue will not be an obstacle in building a new reality so precious to all of us.”