Citizens of the UAE should be allowed easier entry into the US, a leading Dubai official has claimed, emphasising enhanced relations between the two countries.
“It is about time the US recognises the UAE as part of the visa waiver programme, which will give UAE citizens a preferential treatment like many other friendly nations,” said Hamad Buamim, the director general of the Dubai Chamber, who was speaking during a visit to Seattle.
“By positively addressing such issues, we will be able to take US-UAE business ties to the next level.”
America’s visa waiver programme (VWP) allows citizens from 36 countries to travel to the US for either tourism or business for up to 90 days without the need to apply for a visa.
However, nationals of countries that are not on the VWP – like the UAE – face a more complicated and time-consuming process in order to secure visas to enter the US.
Of the 36 countries, 30 are European, alongside Brunei, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.
No Gulf nations are included either on the current programme, or on a list of countries – “the road map” – that are seeking to gain access to the scheme.
Officials from the UAE have in the past demanded that the US put in place reciprocal arrangements for Emiratis travelling to America, but those requests have so far been refused.
In 2010, Qatar decided to remove visas on arrival for the citizens of 33 countries, including the US and the UK. However, that move was swiftly shelved after an outcry from local businesses.
The UAE currently offers visas on arrival for citizens from 32 countries, including the US.
Buamim said that Dubai Chamber members’ exports and re-exports to the US had increased by 9.2 percent in 2011 to $164m. The US was Dubai’s third-largest trade partner during the first five months last year.
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