Arabs in UAE welcome historic peace deal

Dubai - 'The road map for the UAE is clear. All we want is peace for everybody'

Emiratis and Arab expats in the UAE have welcomed the historic tripartite announcement made by the UAE, the US and Israel on Thursday, saying it is a great leap towards peace in the region. Many hoped that this will spell the end of brutal sectarian war and people can enjoy peace.
Hassan Ahmed, 34, a Syrian national in Abu Dhabi, said: "This is a historic deal and it will definitely help create more peace in the region. There is nothing more important than peace and the two countries reaching such a significant agreement after some long discussions brings hope to people from this part of the world."
UAE national Abdullah Mohammed Al Dahmani, 42, said the UAE is paving the way for peace and stability.
"The road map for the UAE is clear. All we want is peace for everybody. I believe this historic agreement is the beginning of peace and stability in the region and it will pave way for human rights for the Palestinian people. All we want is human rights for everyone."

Fady S., 35, a Lebanese businessman in Abu Dhabi, said he believes it is very important for people to forgive and continue with new life. "There has been political differences between nations in the region, but we cannot keep on fighting each other. I believe this peace agreement between the UAE and Israel will bring peace in the region and mutual respect for each other."

Many who spoke to Khaleej Times said the agreement will pave the way for peace in the region.

Ahmad Mehana, a Syrian resident, said the historic agreement is an outstanding achievement for the entire region. "Israel will no longer annex more lands from the West Bank."

Mohamed Ibrahim, an Emirati, said the agreement will open the floor for peace. "With this historic deal, there will be no more wars and hopefully peace will prevail."

Mohamed Saad, an Egyptian resident, said the UAE's success to seal this deal will open the door for all Muslims to visit and pray in Al Aqsa Mosque. "Other religious sites in Jerusalem will be open for the faithful from all religions as well."

Walid, an Egyptian expat, said he sees the beginning of the end of conflict in Thursday's announcement.

Quoting the example of Egypt's peace deal with Israel, he said it prevented lot of bloodshed and gave his country a chance to rebuild. "I see no harm in this move as long as it will help the purpose of peace in the region. This will help Palestinians end a war that has been going on since 1948. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did the same and established peace with the Jewish people and non-believers to strengthen the Muslim community and to spread Islam across the world. This is my humble opinion," said Walid.

Karim Teleb, a multilingual legal consultant from Egypt, said in the coming weeks, delegations from Israel and the UAE will meet to sign bilateral agreements regarding investment, tourism, direct flights, security, telecommunications, technology, energy, healthcare, culture, the environment, the establishment of reciprocal embassies.

"The full history between Arabs and Jews will be changed by this and we can have better relationships for a sustainable future. The UAE is a country of tolerance. As long as this agreement will bring good for the people, we should put aside our differences and previous conflicts and start a new chapter of tolerance and accepting each other," said Teleb.

He also said the agreement will assure better life for Palestinians as Israeli prime minister has promised to stop annexation of settlements. "Besides, this agreement will also let the Israelis change their perspective about Arabs from permeant enemies to potential friends and allies."

Jordanian expat Sanad Asiri said: "It delights me to hear about this initiative. Such a great feeling. If this deal gets accomplished, it will be a great diplomatic achievement. Being a resident of the UAE, I am proud.

"I am happy for the Palestinians. They have long suffered and consequently that has caused heartache to all the Arab nations. I hope the deal happens and peace prevails. It is time the Palestinians live in peace," Asiri added.

• Abu Dhabi
• Dubai
• MENA