Gulf Nations Set to Lift Travel Ban on Lebanon

The United Arab Emirates has announced it will allow its citizens to travel to Lebanon beginning May 7, marking an end to a ban that had been in place since 2021. The decision, made public through the UAE’s state news agency, follows a meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi. The announcement comes amid a wider effort by Lebanon to improve relations with Gulf countries after years of strained ties.

The UAE’s ban, imposed during a broader diplomatic rift in late 2021, was a response to Lebanon’s criticism of Saudi Arabia’s military campaign in Yemen. At the time, the UAE joined Riyadh in withdrawing diplomats from Beirut and restricting travel, though Lebanese nationals were still permitted to enter the Emirates, albeit with visa challenges.

Lebanon Engages Gulf States to Ease Remaining Restrictions

According to reports in Lebanon’s Nidaa al-Watan, other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states are also weighing whether to lift their own travel restrictions. The newspaper cited an informed source who described ongoing discussions between Lebanese political and security authorities and GCC diplomats.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is expected to meet today with ambassadors from GCC countries to present updated security measures implemented at Beirut’s airport and on the access roads. The intent is to assure these nations of improved safety and logistical readiness before any decisions to lift travel advisories are finalized.

Additional meetings between ambassadors and senior Lebanese security figures are reportedly scheduled. These talks aim to address any outstanding legal or operational concerns that could hinder the restoration of full travel ties.

Shifting Geopolitics Influence Renewed Gulf Engagement

The reopening of travel ties coincides with evolving regional dynamics. Hezbollah’s position within Lebanon has been weakened by recent military engagement with Israel, altering internal power balances and easing some Gulf states’ longstanding concerns. The group’s historical alignment with Iran has frequently been a sticking point in relations between Lebanon and its Gulf neighbors.

In March, Saudi Arabia indicated it was reassessing barriers to Lebanese imports and considering an end to its own travel ban. That review is still ongoing, but the UAE’s recent decision could add momentum to the broader Gulf reconsideration.

The developments represent a significant step toward restoring Lebanon’s political and economic ties with key regional powers. In particular, renewed Gulf tourism and investment could provide a critical boost to Lebanon’s struggling economy, which continues to grapple with inflation, currency collapse, and infrastructure challenges.