Rania chakhtoura, "Akhbar al-Yawm" agency

UAE Lifts Travel Ban on Lebanon: A Turning Point for Trust and Investment Opportunities

Economic expert: Lebanon must lift the investment embargo

The United Arab Emirates has officially announced the lifting of its travel ban to Lebanon, allowing Emirati citizens to visit the country as of May 7, 2025, according to a statement released by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Following the announcement, President of the Republic Joseph Aoun held a phone conversation with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, expressing gratitude for his decision. Aoun praised the swift response to his request following their recent meeting in Abu Dhabi. He emphasized that this gesture reflects goodwill and a commitment to strengthen cooperation for the benefit of both Lebanese and Emirati peoples.

While the move has been widely welcomed, an economic analyst, speaking to "Akhbar al-Yawm", described the decision as "highly significant", citing its potential to revive interest in Lebanon as a destination. However, he underscored that sustainable economic recovery will require restoring investor confidence and addressing long-standing structural challenges.

The analyst emphasized that Lebanon’s economic viability relies fundamentally on trust, as the country lacks substantial natural resources. Rebuilding this trust demands institutional reforms and a demonstrated commitment to good governance. The UAE’s decision, he noted, could pave the way for broader engagement from other Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, but Lebanon must take the initiative to remove what he described as an "investment embargo".

He further observed that the era when Gulf investments flowed into Lebanon based on personal ties or sentimental considerations is over. The international community now engages Lebanon through formal institutional channels, with clear expectations for accountability and performance.

Looking ahead, the analyst posed a critical question: Will Lebanese officials capitalize on this gesture and demonstrate the political will to implement necessary reforms that could reposition Lebanon as a credible investment hub, as it was in the early 2000s?

He noted with concern the slow pace of legislative progress and the frequent stalling of reform initiatives. In many cases, laws are passed without the accompanying implementation decrees required for their enforcement, resulting in prolonged stagnation.

Ultimately, while the UAE’s decision marks a positive diplomatic development, Lebanon’s ability to translate this opportunity into meaningful economic revival will depend on a concerted domestic effort to address institutional weaknesses and create a more favorable environment for investment and growth.