Israel’s Prime Minister is said to be so concerned that Israeli’s might “misbehave” during trips to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that he is advocating a Code of Conduct in an attempt to avoid embarrassing incidents that could strain newly forged diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Only yesterday, the Dubai Police Force was forced to deny rumors two Israeli’s had been arrested for taking photos of sensitive high-security buildings in the emirate.
Benjamin Netanyahu has backed the idea of a Code of Conduct to educate Israeli’s about cultural differences that could lead to embarrassing incidents according to state broadcaster Kan.
Israel’s foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi is also said to have backed the need to educate Israeli’s before they travel to the UAE, saying Emiratis “are very sensitive and Israeli’s sometimes don’t know how to behave”.
A booklet is already been prepared with important “do’s and don’ts” for Israeli travellers to the UAE according to the Times of Israel.
Israel and the UAE agreed to normalize diplomatic relations for the first time in the history of either country this August. Within days, there was talk of direct flights opening between the two countries and particular interest in Israeli’s visiting Dubai.
flydubai has already confirmed plans to start regular commercial flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv from November 26 with 14-weekly flights to Ben Gurion Airport. Etihad Airways announced on Monday that it would also launch flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv beginning March 28, 2021.
In preparation for a surge in Jewish visitors, Emirates Airlines is opening up the first dedicated Kosher food production facility in the UAE. The facility will not only produce airline meals but also supply hotels and restaurants across the emirates with Kosher certified food and drink.
