Maldivians will be able to travel to United Arab Emirates (UAE) visa-free beginning next year, says Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid.
The Foreign Minister, who is currently on a visit to the Gulf Kingdom, confirmed this via Twitter.
In the tweet on Friday night, Minister Shahid said he called on UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and briefed him on the policies of the new Maldives government.
Minister Shahid said they discussed strengthening of bilateral ties, as well as increasing trade and investment.
He also said they have reached a new visa agreement and that “Maldivians will be able to travel to UAE, visa- free beginning of next year.”
Honoured to call on Sheikh Abdullah, UAE Foreign Minister. Briefed on the new govt’s policies. Discussed strengthening of bilateral ties, increasing trade and investment. Reached a new visa agreement and Maldivians will be able to travel to UAE, visa- free beginning of next year. pic.twitter.com/e9Id7gPVC5
— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) November 30, 2018
UAE and its largest city Dubai are popular tourist destinations for Maldivians and both countries have close business relations. The new visa deal and direct flights from UAE and Dubai to Maldives are expected to make travel easier for Maldivian tourists and businesspeople.
