The United Arab Emirates (UAE) are awaiting a wave of Israeli tourism, and the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Ministry has distributed a letter to hotel and tourism managers to prepare for the arrival of Israelis, among other things, by adding kosher food to their restaurant and room service menus. The letter said that some kitchens must be made kosher and prepared for the requirements of Jewish dietary laws, and that there will be ongoing kashruth supervision as is customary at hotels in Israel.

The reason for this instruction/request is that many Israeli tourists as well as Jews from around the world have made inquires directly to hotels and Emirati tourist agencies. Israel has declared the UAE a country from where citizens returning from a visit do not have to quarantine upon their return to Israel, and the upcoming holiday season — starting with the Jewish New Year on Sept. 19 — during which Israelis typically vacation abroad, has made this destination especially attractive, and tourist companies have started to market such packages.

Airlines are also preparing. The four Emirati airlines could start direct flights, and Israir, based in Tel Aviv, has already submitted a request to start such a direct flight, and even priced it, at $299.

The problem is that at this stage Israeli passport holders cannot obtain a tourist visa, and only Israelis with a foreign passport can enter the Gulf state.