Illustrations by Jaimee Lee Haddad.
This week: the UAE has just lifted its travel ban on Lebanon and already Emiratis are landing in Beirut.
It might sound like a routine diplomatic update, but it’s actually a big deal. It signals a shift in regional politics, could give Lebanon’s economy a real shot in the arm and might even open the door for more Gulf countries to follow suit.
1. What just happened?
On May 1, the UAE officially lifted its four-year travel ban on Lebanon. Immediately, Emiratis started arriving again at Beirut airport, greeted with flowers, pastries and press cameras. This shift came right after Lebanese President Joseph Aoun visited Abu Dhabi and met with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed.
While the UAE never formally banned Lebanese nationals from entering, they faced serious visa restrictions and in mid-2023, the UAE temporarily suspended visa issuance to Lebanese passport holders.
During Aoun’s visit, the two countries agreed to boost ties: they’ll create a joint business council, explore development projects and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development is sending a team to Lebanon. Translation: the UAE is signaling it’s open to investing again, potentially in Lebanon’s $11 billion post-war reconstruction needs.
2. Why was there a travel ban in the first place?
The ban dates back to 2021, when video footage from then newly appointed Information Minister George Kordahi resurfaced in which he criticized Saudi Arabia’s war in Yemen. This prompted Gulf countries, including the UAE, pulled ambassadors and restricted travel. Eventually, Kordahi resigned from his post, saying he was “keen on the interests of his country and his people.”
But it wasn’t just about Kordahi. Hezbollah’s growing influence in Lebanon had made Gulf leaders uneasy. The group’s alignment with Iran, regional involvement (like in Yemen and Syria), and control over state decisions led Gulf states to distance themselves.
Until recently, Lebanon was seen as too unstable, too risky and too Hezbollah-dominated. But with a new government in place and Hezbollah’s power weakened after the 2023-2024 war with Israel, Gulf states like the UAE are cautiously re-engaging.
3. Why do Gulf tourists matter so much for Lebanon?
They stay longer, spend more and fuel entire sectors, from hotels and restaurants to real estate and retail.
Tourism is one of the few working engines in Lebanon’s economy. And Gulf Arab tourists spend big, we’re talking up to $6,000 a day for some Emiratis and Saudis. They rent villas in the mountains, fill hotels, shop in Beirut and keep restaurants, drivers and businesses running.
Arabs represent 40 percent of tourism in Lebanon, half are GCC nationals. Now, tourism officials are hoping the UAE’s move will encourage other countries, especially Saudi Arabia to follow suit. A Saudi delegation is expected in Beirut soon, and there’s buzz that a Saudi travel ban could be lifted by Eid al-Adha in June.
President Aoun is trying to capitalize on this momentum. He’s already visited Riyadh, asking for aid, and promising to improve security for Gulf nationals, including stepped-up patrols and a hotline for tourists. Gulf visitors want guarantees they’ll be safe, especially since parts of Beirut (like the airport road) remain Hezbollah strongholds.
Bottom line:
The UAE lifting its travel ban isn’t just good news for tourism, it’s a sign that Gulf-Lebanon relations may finally be thawing. That could bring much-needed money, investment and stability. But it’s fragile. If Lebanon doesn’t keep Hezbollah in check or guarantee security, the doors could shut just as quickly.
