The UAE and Israel agreed to allow visa-free travel and formed a private sector-led investment fund as ministers from the two countries signed deals in Tel Aviv on Tuesday.
The $3 billion Abraham Fund was set up by the two countries, along with the US International Development Finance Corporation, on the first ministerial visit after the two countries established diplomatic ties.
Abdulla bin Touq, Minister of Economy, and Obaid Al Tayer, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, were on an Etihad Airways plane that touched down at Ben Gurion Airport outside Tel Aviv at 1pm UAE time on Tuesday.
They were accompanied by US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Middle East envoy Ari Berkowitz, who were in Abu Dhabi for talks on Monday.
We are committed to supporting a legal framework for the movement of people and goods between the UAE and the state of Israel
The delegation was welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Mr Netanyahu said the two countries would have reciprocal visa-free travel, a move that makes Emirati citizens the first in the Arab world to not require Israeli entry permits.
“Today, we are making history. We are making history in a way that will stand for generations,” he said in a ceremony held on the tarmac.
“We will remember this day, a glorious day of peace.”
The countries will open a development office in Israel to identify and initiate projects that boost economic growth, improve standards of living and create high-value jobs.
Mr Al Tayer said the two sides would also discuss financial co-operation and trade to strengthen their economies. and that an agreement would be signed on double taxation.
He said the deals had many benefits for the two countries.
“We are committed to supporting a legal framework for the movement of people and goods between the UAE and the state of Israel, to achieve prosperity for both of our people and economies,” Mr Al Tayer said.
“It has been a pleasure being with you all today. We look forward to welcoming you to the UAE in the near future.”
Earlier, the Israeli government said agreements on aviation, investment protection, visa exemptions and science and technology would be signed.
A deal authorising 28 commercial flights a week between the countries was due to be signed yesterday.
The UAE announced its decision to normalise relations with Israel in August. Known as the Abraham Accord, the agreement was signed at a White House event last month.
Since then, the two countries have struck several commercial deals.
A key tenet of the accord was the assurance from Israel that it would suspend the annexation of Palestinian territory, including the occupied West Bank and Jordan Valley.
The UAE is the third Arab country to sign a peace deal with Israel and establish diplomatic relations, after Egypt and Jordan in 1979 and 1994, respectively.
Bahrain also normalised relations with Israel and signed an official agreement in Manama on Sunday.
US President Donald Trump gave Washington’s blessing to Israel’s annexation of large areas of the West Bank, including the settlements considered illegal under international law, in his peace plan unveiled in January.
The UAE has consistently reaffirmed its commitment to the creation of a Palestinian state.
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SERIES INFO
Schedule:
All matches at the Harare Sports Club
1st ODI, Wed Apr 10
2nd ODI, Fri Apr 12
3rd ODI, Sun Apr 14
4th ODI, Sun Apr 16
UAE squad
Mohammed Naveed (captain), Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Shaiman Anwar, Mohammed Usman, CP Rizwan, Chirag Suri, Mohammed Boota, Ghulam Shabber, Sultan Ahmed, Imran Haider, Amir Hayat, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed
Zimbabwe squad
Peter Moor (captain), Solomon Mire, Brian Chari, Regis Chakabva, Sean Williams, Timycen Maruma, Sikandar Raza, Donald Tiripano, Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara, Chris Mpofu, Craig Ervine, Brandon Mavuta, Ainsley Ndlovu, Tony Munyonga, Elton Chigumbura
How to improve Arabic reading in early years
One 45-minute class per week in Standard Arabic is not sufficient
The goal should be for grade 1 and 2 students to become fluent readers
Subjects like technology, social studies, science can be taught in later grades
Grade 1 curricula should include oral instruction in Standard Arabic
First graders must regularly practice individual letters and combinations
Time should be slotted in class to read longer passages in early grades
Improve the appearance of textbooks
Revision of curriculum should be undertaken as per research findings
Conjugations of most common verb forms should be taught
Systematic learning of Standard Arabic grammar
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Tightening the screw on rogue recruiters
The UAE overhauled the procedure to recruit housemaids and domestic workers with a law in 2017 to protect low-income labour from being exploited.
Only recruitment companies authorised by the government are permitted as part of Tadbeer, a network of labour ministry-regulated centres.
A contract must be drawn up for domestic workers, the wages and job offer clearly stating the nature of work.
The contract stating the wages, work entailed and accommodation must be sent to the employee in their home country before they depart for the UAE.
The contract will be signed by the employer and employee when the domestic worker arrives in the UAE.
Only recruitment agencies registered with the ministry can undertake recruitment and employment applications for domestic workers.
Penalties for illegal recruitment in the UAE include fines of up to Dh100,000 and imprisonment
But agents not authorised by the government sidestep the law by illegally getting women into the country on visit visas.
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
