The UAE and Israel have taken another step towards strengthening their newly developed contentious relationship by finalizing an agreement to recognize each other’s driving licences.
The development follows the signing of a free trade agreement by both countries.
This change would allow Israeli visitors and temporary residents to drive in the UAE using their Israeli licenses, while Emiratis will be able to drive in Israel using their Israeli licences.
UAE-Israel relationships
Long-term residents in both nations will also be able to exchange their licences for local ones. The agreement takes effect immediately and has no expiration date.
According to Israel’s Foreign Minister, Eli Cohen, this deal will ease the load on travelers, allowing them to visit the UAE without having to worry about bureaucratic procedures.
Following the Abraham Accords
Since the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020, the UAE-Israel relationship has been one of the most significant and contentious developments in the Middle East.
While some have praised the decision as a step towards regional peace, others have criticized it as a betrayal of Arab and Muslim solidarity and an abandonment of the Palestinian cause.
Some have also accused the Abraham Accords of legitimizing Israel’s discriminatory actions against Arab inhabitants and its prolonged occupation of Palestinian territory.
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