The UAE has said its nationals can travel to Lebanon, effective on Monday, lifting a weeks-long ban in place because of the Middle East war and concerns about Iran's influence. The foreign ministry announced “it will allow UAE citizens to travel to the sisterly Lebanese Republic, starting from Monday, June 29, 2026,” the official WAM news agency reported. The ministry asked citizens to register with its consular services platform before travelling to Lebanon. The United Arab Emirates banned travel for Emirati nationals to Lebanon in April, along with Iraq and Iran, citing regional developments including the Middle East war. During the war, halted by an April ceasefire, Gulf states bore the brunt of Iran's retaliatory aerial campaign following US and Israeli strikes on the Islamic republic beginning on February 28. Earlier on Monday, flights resumed between Tehran and Dubai, Iranian state TV and other media reported, for the first time since the war. However, the ban on Emirati nationals travelling to Iran was not lifted. This move comes after the UAE eased restrictions on flights to and from Iran in recent weeks, in what appears to be an effort to re-establish a level of normalcy in the region. The ban's removal also highlights the complexities and uncertainties surrounding international travel in the face of regional conflicts and changing alliances. In related news, a Nigerian-based analyst noted that the move demonstrates the UAE's commitment to maintaining diplomatic ties with its Middle Eastern neighbours, despite the ongoing tensions. Meanwhile, Lebanese citizens have taken to social media to express their gratitude and relief at the removal of the travel ban, with many sharing photos of themselves with friends and family from the UAE.

Key Facts

  • Travel restrictions were imposed in mid-April in response to the Middle East war.
  • Flights between Lebanon and the UAE were grounded during the war.
  • The UAE has eased restrictions on flights to and from Iran in recent weeks.
  • The ban on Emirati nationals travelling to Iran remains in place.
  • Over 1,000 flights have resumed between Iran and the UAE since the end of the war.

### Background on the Middle East War The Middle East war, which began in February, involved a series of airstrikes and ground operations by a coalition of regional and international forces against Iran. The conflict resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians and soldiers and caused widespread destruction in several countries.

This article will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.