The United Arab Emirates has formally ended, Saturday, the country’s boycott of Israel amid a U.S.-brokered deal to normalize relations between the two countries.
The peace deal between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi was announced on Aug. 13. Tel Aviv will halt its contentious plan to annex occupied West Bank land sought by the Palestinians, according to the deal.
The state-run WAM news agency said the move formally ending the boycott was made on the orders of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi and the Emirates' leader.
“The new decree allows Israeli citizens and firms to do business in the UAE, a federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula. It also allows for the purchase and trade of Israeli goods,” said WAM.
The UAE news agency added that “The decree of the new law comes within the UAE’s efforts to expand diplomatic and commercial cooperation with Tel Aviv,” noting that “The decree lays out a roadmap toward launching joint cooperation, leading to bilateral relations by stimulating economic growth and promoting technological innovation.”
The first direct commercial flight by Israel's flagship carrier El Al is expected on Monday in Abu Dhabi, carrying U.S. and Israeli officials including President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
The UAE is becoming the third Arab nation after Egypt and Jordan to currently have diplomatic relations with Tel Aviv.
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Jared Kushner, an advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump,[/caption]
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