Dubai: Emiratis have welcomed the new decision exempting them from the requirement to obtain an entry visa to 34 European countries, including 26 Schengen states.
In interviews with Gulf News, a number of Emiratis confirmed their satisfaction following the official announcement, and agreed that the decision will help make their travel arrangements much smoother than before. They also agreed that the decision will bring with it a lot of other benefits for both the UAE and the Schengen countries.
Based on the decision, UAE citizens, will now be entitled to visit many European countries that are a part of the Schengen area without having to obtain a visa prior to travel and will only need to produce their passport at the host country’s airport.
They will then be eligible to stay for 90 uninterrupted days, or six months with interruption. In emergencies, citizens need to coordinate with the UAE missions in these countries to negotiate longer stays.
Abdullah Al Hadeya, a 51-year-old Emirati poet and lecturer who has been eagerly waiting for the official announcement to finally happen, said he has been very up-to-date with the news since the proposal to grant the UAE Schengen visa-free status was first passed by the European Parliament in June last year .
“This is not only a great decision but a great step which will allow the exchange of cultures, knowledge and civilizations between the UAE and the visa-free countries,” said Al Hadeya. “All Emiratis love to travel to Europe, and I’m certain that they will travel way more than before following the decision.”
Al Hadeya said that apart from the fact that it will make travelling arrangements easier for them, “it reflects the success of UAE diplomacy.”
He added that this will increase tourism in Europe and the UAE at the same time because there will be a mutual understanding between Emiratis and European citizens.
Rashid El Shehi, 38, a government employee, also agreed that both the UAE and the visa-free countries will benefit from the exemption.
“Tourism to Europe will double and tourism to the UAE will also double. A lot of Emiratis delay their travels or choose to visit other countries during their holidays because of the long visa application process. Now, they can travel whenever they want to without thinking about any of these things,” said Al Shehi.
He said that whenever Emiratis get a few days off their work, they can now just have to book a ticket and travel.
Shaikha Al Mutairi, Head of the National Cultural Division at Juma Al Majid Centre told Gulf News that since she very much enjoys travelling to Europe more than four times a year, the visa waiver will encourage her to visit more countries in Europe because she doesn’t have to think about the long-process of getting a visa ready.
“The whole process of getting your documents ready to apply for a visa was very discouraging. On many instances Emiratis were not allowed access and were questioned because there was a misprint on the visa, but now these things will never happen again,” said Shaikha.
Shaikha said that the exemption shows how much these European countries are happy to welcome Emiratis and fully trust them in their countries. “The good impression Emiratis have given to these countries, I believe, is one of the many reasons why they have voted for this to happen.”
Mansour Al Hashemi, 21, a student at Abu Dhabi University, was surprised to know that the decision was already finalised and that Emiratis can now travel to these Schengen states.
“I’m very pleased to hear about the exemption. This shows how the UAE has been able to make its mark on the world. Tourists from Europe will now be more aware of the UAE and its achievements and in return this will encourage them to visit our nation, see the diversity that exists here and explore our city, culture and heritage,” said Al Hashemi.
Ahmad Al Mutairi, 23, a Cadet Pilot at Etihad Airways, believes this will increase businesses and trade between the UAE and these countries.
“UAE citizens will have the motive of opening up businesses in Europe increasing Europe’s finances and their Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Businessmen from Europe will also feel the same way, which in return will benefit our country’s GDP,” said Al Mutairi.
Al Mutairi sees this as a great benefit for him also because he no longer has to worry about getting his visa ready and renewed.
“We, as Emiratis, will feel like we are at home every time we travel to Europe following this decision because we will be treated like we are citizens of that country we are visiting.”
