ABU DHABI // European ambassadors in the UAE have expressed their support for Emiratis to travel to Europe visa-free.
With an expected start date on Thursday, the process will reinforce relations between the EU and the UAE.
“I am very happy that very soon, the short-stay visa to the EU will be waived for UAE citizens who travel to the Schengen zone for short stays as well as for all EU citizens travelling to the UAE,” said Carlo De Filippi, head of the EU Delegation to the UAE. “This is a milestone that will strengthen relations between our peoples and give a boost to both tourism industries and the economy as a whole.”
For Italy, finalising the visa waiver process in time for Expo Milan 2015 was crucial.
“The embassy of Italy in Abu Dhabi and the consulate general in Dubai had envisaged a super fast-track for those who wished to obtain a Schengen visa in order to visit Expo Milan,” said Giorgio Starace, Italy’s ambassador to the UAE. “And we are very satisfied that less than one week after the opening of the most important event of the year in Italy, UAE visitors will be free to travel to Italy without any immigration concern.”
He called the UAE a strategic partner of Italy in the Middle East and North Africa, both politically and economically.
“Italy’s traditional role as a bridge between Europe and the Arab world is highly appreciated by our Emirati friends,” he said. “On May 7, an Emirati pavilion will be inaugurated at the Biennale di Venezia, so UAE visitors who come to Expo Milan will have the chance to visit this important exhibition of contemporary art, where more than 100 works by Emirati artists will be displayed.”
cmalek@thenational.ae