European Parliament’s Civil Liberties Committee endorses Schengen visa exemption for UAE citizens

Abu Dhabi: The Civil Liberties Committee at the European Parliament (EP) has unanimously voted for a proposal to add the UAE to the list of countries whose nationals are exempt from the Schengen visa requirements. UAE Ambassador to the European Union Sulaiman Al Mazrouei described the EP's move as an achievement for the UAE diplomacy and a reflection of the country's strong ties with the EU. "If approved, the Schengen visa waiver would ease travel for the UAE citizens to the Schengen states. The UAE would be the first Arab country whose citizens are exempt from Schengen visa," said Al Mazrouei. "Today's vote is a huge step towards finalising legislative requirements and moving to negotiations and subsequent waiver implementation," he added. He dedicated the achievement to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Their Highness the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates. Al Mazrouei praised the pivotal role played by the 'friends of the UAE' group at the European Parliament and the UAE ambassadors to the EU states. – Emirates New Agency, WAM