Tuesday, November 09, 2010

Clarification tomorrow

There are reports in the papers this morning that the UAE's Ottawa embassy has announced that Canadians will need a visa to enter the UAE, effective January 2.

No details, no requirements are given.

Stand by for a series of clarifications...

11 comments:

MM said...

I don't think they will have clarifications. But by Jan 2, this will be reversed like BlackBerry case. However, I have to say Canada is just being typical. I'm Canadian too and would love to see more flights to several Canadian cities. They're closing their doors to a better trade and tourism simply to protect Air Canada, the most incompetent airline in the world. Anyone who has grown up with Air Canada will know what I mean.

They won't improve or compete nor will let anyone come in their market.

Dave said...

Seabee, this is related to the UAE lobbying against the Canadian Govt for control of a seat on the UN Security Council.

UAE Govt claims Canada has 'anti-Arab' stance..... I would suggest they may hit the negotiation table shortly....

Unknown said...

Seems to be legit - Gulf News have just published more details.

http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/visa/canadians-need-visas-to-enter-uae-from-january-2-1.708867

Apparently its in retaliation for Canada's decision to ban government officials from using UAE airlines.

Khalil said...

I remember a specific set of spokespersons were appointed to provide the official communication.... I wonder what happened. May be we also need a clarification here?

Seabee said...

Khalil, you're right. I posted about that at the time and I'd almost forgotten it - I wonder if they were ever appointed or what happened...

Mohammad said...

"They won't improve or compete nor will let anyone come in their market. "

MM, were you talking about Air Canada or Etisalat?

Its funny how Dubai is suddenly a champion for free trade when they are so restrictive when it comes to the telecom market or importing stuff "exclusive distributors" anyone ?

Ahmed said...

This was bound to happen. The negotiations on landings rights have been going on for several years now.

As MM has pointed out, the Canadian govt has been shielding an inefficient airline.

Zafar said...

Canadian authorities are making all efforts to create problems for the passengers coming in from UAE.

Just arrived here 2 days ago on Emirates, upon clearance from immigration and collection of my baggage was told to go to another room where a number of officials were checking through the baggage of passengers and all I saw were my fellow passengers from Emirates flight. The officials were rude, took every thing out from my three pieces and then told me to pack them quickly and clear their counter as they have to treat others.

This did not happen last year when I travelled to Canada on KLM, I just passed through without opening a single piece of my luggage.

Seabee said...

Governments and adults behaving like spiteful five year olds, making life difficult for normal people. Great isn't it.

Adwebstudio said...

I think that's good step. Govt should treat all countries local on equal basis. Thumb up for UAE Government.

Dubai Property said...

Thanks for the info and it can be painful for Canadians. I think that most of the Canadians are still not aware of this recent announcement.