Sincr the signing of the new Abraham Accords initiative in September, Israel and the UAE are on a fast path to normalization. Regular flights have started between the two countries and tens of thousands of Israelis have already purchased tickets to visit Dubai. Israel is readying itself for an influx of tourism from the Emirates.
According to Deputy Jerusalem mayor, Fleur Hassan-Nahum, the city is preparing itself to reach out to Muslims and expects to host between 100,000 to 250,000 Emirates annually. There are many important historical Muslim sites throughout the land such as Jaffa, Akko, Nimrod’s Castle, Haram El Khalil in Hebron, Nabi Moussa, Hisham’s Palace in Jericho and of course, the Haram el Sharif (Temple Mount). The Al Aqsa Mosque and Dome of the Rock are very important Muslim holy sites located in Jerusalem on the plaza. Hassan-Nahoum says that the city plans to develop Muslim tourism just as it has developed Christian tourism.
Air access will be key to building tourism from the UAE to Israel. 28 scheduled weekly flights are anticipated between the Emirates and Tel Aviv as well as unlimited charter flights to the Ramon airport. Tourism sites are also beginning preparations to reach the new tourists from the Emirates, and possibly other Arab countries that may follow. The Western Wall Heritage foundation, which oversees the Western Wall tunnels, Wohl Archaeological park and other sites, released a new, Arabic language, brochure and map that are distributed complimentary.. Their hope is to attract Muslims to important historical Jewish sites about the heritage of the Western Wall, its customs and traditions.
The flyers are available at the site and will also be distributed to the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government Press Office and the Tourism Office of the Jerusalem Municipality.
