UAE denies Israeli tennis player visa

GAME OVER: The Israeli tennis star Shahar Peer has been refused entry into the UAE to take part in the Dubai Open. (AFP)

The Israeli tennis star, Shahar Peer, has been refused entry to the UAE to compete in the two million dollar Dubai Open, which started in the emirate on Sunday.

The world number 48 has been denied a visa by the Gulf state's authorities, prompting a strongly worded response from the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), which runs the women's tour.

The blocking of Peer is a surprise because she was given a visa to play in the Qatar Open in Doha last year, a visit which was a considerable success both in tennis and diplomatic terms.

But the change in relations between Israel and neighbouring states, following the recent Gaza conflict, is almost certainly the reason for a change of attitude in the United Arab Emirates, according to AFP.

Last year there was talk of two other Israeli players, Jonathan Ehrlich and Andy Ram, taking part in Dubai.

"We are deeply disappointed by the decision of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) denying Shahar Peer a Visa that would permit her to enter the country to play in the Dubai Tennis Championships," said Larry Scott, chief executive of the WTA.

"Ms. Peer has earned the right to play in the tournament and it is regrettable that the UAE is denying her this right.

"Following various consultations, the Tour has decided to allow the tournament to continue to be played this week, pending further review by the Tour's board of directors.

"Ms. Peer and her family are obviously extremely upset and disappointed by the decision of the UAE and its impact on her personally and professionally, and the Tour is reviewing appropriate remedies for Ms. Peer and also will review appropriate future actions with regard to the future of the Dubai tournament.

"The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour believes very strongly, and has a clear rule and policy, that no host country should deny a player the right to compete at a tournament for which she has qualified by ranking."

Colm McLoughlin, the managing director of Dubai Duty Free, the owners and organisers of the tournament, declined to comment.

However, her fellow players were sympathetic towards her.

Ana Ivanovic, the former world number one from Serbia, said she was saddened by the episode.

"It's very unfortunate, I feel very sorry for her. Shahar is a friend of mine and I feel sorry she's not here.
It's always a pity to mix politics and sport. But the WTA is looking into it."

Dinara Safina, the world number two from Russia, said she believed the WTA would help her out.

"It's pretty disappointing she's not playing here. She's a great player and a great athlete. I hope she will have many more chances. I think the WTA is doing its best for them." (AFP)

Print | Email | Discuss this article

| Share |

READERS' COMMENTS

Serves her right
Posted by Reema, Dubai, UAE on Sunday 22 February 2009 at 10:14 UAE time

To all those who think 'she's not a politician nor a soldier with IDF' let me clarify to you ALL that ALL Israelis take military training (mne and women). So technically, Shahar is a soldier. If those who are ashamed of the Israeli government really cared, they would go back to their original countries (Europe), and leave the Arabs alone.

I commend the UAE on such a powerful stance! Long Live the UAE's government & its people!

Reply to DubaiDan
Posted by jojotogo on Tuesday 17 February 2009 at 15:08 UAE time


DubaiDan - Unfortunately for Ms Peer the world does not operate on a 'part-time' rota basis. Let have a look at her diary ; AM - Go to work for the IDF & see what destruction we have caused & will cause to the Palestinian people(read blast them into kingdom come). PM - Have a nice quiet game of tennis in Dubai(home to many of the IDF's refugees) with some Liptons ice tea for afters.
Great call Dubai - now keep it up!

Right Dicision.
Posted by Mohamed Thowfeek, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Tuesday 17 February 2009 at 13:51 UAE time


I welcome this dicision taken by UAE and this was a lession for other arab countries who shack the hand with Israel while Israel take our blood. Peer win and take the money to expand the occupasion in our holy land by throwing our brothers and sisters in Palastine. This positive move will tell a strong message to Zionist.

Bye Bye Tennis....
Posted by Skeptical, Dubai on Tuesday 17 February 2009 at 12:43 UAE time

Everyone should enjoy the tennis this year as it could be the last year it is held in Dubai.

CNN has been kept the story on the front page of their International website and on tv. According to the story at their website 2 male Israeli tennis players were denied visas last year. The tennis organizers were assured there would be no visa problems this year...oh well.

For those of you out there who believe preventing a young female tennis player from Israel from entering the UAE to play tennis is going to do anything for those who are suffering in Gaza you are just jumping on board the propaganda train. And if you believe Israel is going to somehow make changes to their policies or tactics because one of their citizens was not let in Dubai to play tennis, well, you guys need to grab a clue! Come on folks, forget the tennis player.

I believe the UAE should have consulted with the tennis organizers ahead of time as well as the female tennis player to discuss valid issues such as her security. Did this happen? Who knows. Maybe if it had then the tennis organizers and the tennis player herself would have agreed that now is not the best time for an Israeli to be playing tennis in Dubai...sounds logical to me.

View all comments (46) >>

Click here to post a comment

Add your Comment All posts are sent to the administrator for review and are published only after approval. ArabianBusiness.com reserves the right to remove any comment at any time for any reason. Please keep your responses appropriate and on topic. Arabian Business would like to point out that only comments relevant to the story will be published. Any containing personal insults or inappropriate language will not be approved.
Name *
Remember me on this computer
Email *	(Your email address will not be published)
City
Country
Subject *
Comment *
Notify me of further comments
Enter the words above *
Please click post only once - your comment will not be published immediately.

MORE FROM ARABIANBUSINESS.COM