ABU DHABI — Citizens of the United Arab Emirates will be able to stay in Israel for up to 90 days on a single visit under a visa exemption agreement that the two countries reached this week, the UAE state news agency WAM reported on Thursday citing a statement from the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The exemption comes in line with the mutual visa waiver memorandum of understanding signed between both countries.

Omar Saif Ghobash, assistant minister for culture and public diplomacy, signed on behalf of the UAE, while Shlomo Mor-Yosef, director-general of the population and immigration authority of the ministry of interior, signed on behalf of Israel.

"The entry into force of the MoU allows UAE passport holders to enter the State of Israel without a visa," Ghobash said, noting that this reflects both countries’ desire to strengthen promising relations and opportunities for cooperation that await the two countries, open up new horizons for cooperation in the region, and unlock economic potential with the aim of achieving the well-being of the peoples of the region and ensuring a better future for coming generations.

He underscored that the mutual visa waiver will have multiple positive effects on tourism, trade, investment, and other sectors, as well as strengthen cooperation between both countries. — WAM