The United Arab Emirates has lifted its travel ban on citizens visiting Lebanon, allowing Emirati nationals to resume travel to the country from Monday following weeks of restrictions imposed due to regional security concerns.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Emirati citizens are now permitted to travel to Lebanon effective June 29, according to the state-run WAM news agency. The ministry also urged travelers to register through its consular services platform before departure to ensure assistance in case of emergencies.

The UAE had suspended travel by its citizens to Lebanon, Iraq, and Iran in April, citing security developments linked to escalating regional tensions following US and Israeli strikes on Iran that began on February 28. The restrictions were introduced amid fears of wider escalation in the Gulf region.

During the conflict, which concluded with a ceasefire in April, several Gulf countries were affected by retaliatory missile and drone attacks, prompting heightened security measures and tighter travel advisories across the region.

While the UAE has now restored travel access to Lebanon, it has not announced a similar decision regarding Iran, where the travel ban for Emirati citizens remains in effect.

The announcement coincided with reports from Iranian state media that commercial flights between Tehran and Dubai resumed for the first time since the outbreak of hostilities, signaling gradual normalization in regional air traffic despite ongoing restrictions.

Tensions across the region had previously disrupted aviation and diplomatic activity, with Gulf states taking precautionary measures after Iranian retaliatory strikes targeted US military installations and strategic sites in several countries, including the UAE.

Despite the easing of restrictions on Lebanon, Emirati authorities continue to maintain travel limitations on Iran, reflecting lingering security concerns even as some regional transport links begin to recover. (ILKHA)