UAE lifts travel ban to Lebanon following diplomatic breakthrough

ABU DHABI — The UAE has announced the lifting of its ban on citizens traveling to Lebanon, a restriction imposed in 2021 following a diplomatic dispute triggered by comments from former Lebanese Minister of Information George Kordahi criticizing the Saudi military campaign in Yemen.

The decision was revealed in a joint statement by President Joseph Aoun, a Syriac Maronite, and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan after their meeting in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. According to Asharq Al-Awsat, the leaders agreed to “permit citizens to travel after implementing necessary measures to facilitate movement between the two countries and developing suitable mechanisms for this purpose.”

In a post on his official X, formerly Twitter, account, President Mohammed bin Zayed stated that the discussions between the two nations “explored opportunities to foster partnerships aimed at enabling a sustainable future for the UAE and Lebanon while promoting development and prosperity for our peoples.” He added that both nations reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to supporting efforts that enhance regional and global peace and stability.

During the meeting, the leaders also explored avenues for economic collaboration and the promotion of public and private investment between the two countries. With Lebanon’s economy and state finances in disarray, such investments could provide crucial support to its recovery efforts.

Today in Abu Dhabi I had the pleasure of welcoming Lebanese President Joseph Aoun for talks focused on further strengthening the deeply rooted ties between our two countries. We explored opportunities to foster partnerships aimed at enabling a sustainable future for the UAE and… pic.twitter.com/OdxwkF7tCn

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) April 30, 2025