The decision by the European Parliament to allow visa-free travel for UAE citizens, in the Schengen areas of the continent, is a tremendous acknowledgment for the doctrines of the UAE’s foreign policy approach and its constant advocacy of peaceful relations and co-existence among nations. The voting in Strasbourg was overwhelmingly in favour of this facility, 523 out of 577 representatives supported the waiver. It is an illustration of the UAE’s exalted status in the community of nations. It symbolises what the country stands for and promotes, as a tolerant and generous host, to a melting pot of nationalities who live together in harmony and tolerance, irrespective of caste, creed, race, or colour. It is a tremendous gift to have in such turbulent times. The waiver will have tremendous positive consequences — promotion of trade, commerce, strategic investments, tourism and strengthening of diplomatic relations are cases in point.
The UAE has much to offer and has always achieved its ambitions across multiple platforms, globally and regionally. With future plans for development in place such decisions by the EU, and the UK governments, will only serve to realise its future goals and will be viewed as a victory for all stakeholders. Trust, confidence and mutual respect are the key components of the UAE’s foreign policy. This is reflected by the free access offered to Europeans who come from the 27 Schengen countries. This generosity has now been matched by the EU authorities and not a moment too soon.
