How the UAE became a destination for Israelis

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   Israelis Face Travel Halt to UAE Following Flydubai Attack

   Travel between Israel and the United Arab Emirates remains severely disrupted after an apparent cockpit attack and hijacking attempt aboard a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv. The incident stranded numerous Israeli travelers in the UAE and prompted flydubai to suspend its routes to and from Israel. El Al also cancelled scheduled rescue flights after Emirati authorities reportedly withheld landing permissions. While the UAE emerged as one of Israel's most popular foreign destinations following normalization, recent security events expose vulnerabilities in regional aviation links and test diplomatic ties.

   Why it matters

   The United Arab Emirates evolved into a major hub for Israeli tourists and business travelers seeking luxury destinations and new regional partnerships. However, recent security crises highlight the fragility of normalization between nations with vastly different political systems. Aviation links served as a primary bridge for travelers, but security incidents now threaten these crucial routes.

   What is confirmed

   • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a secret visit to the UAE on Sunday and showed UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed new Israeli intelligence regarding Iran's nuclear program.
   • Flydubai suspended its flights to and from Israel following an apparent attack and hijacking attempt aboard flight FZ1073.
   • El Al cancelled flights for Israelis from Dubai after the flydubai incident.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Emirati authorities reportedly did not grant landing permission for two special El Al flights planned to bring stranded Israelis home.

   What to watch next

   • Decisions by aviation authorities on lifting the flydubai suspension
   • Official investigative findings regarding the flydubai cockpit attack and security gaps
   • Resumption dates for El Al Tel Aviv-Dubai flights
   Sources used for this update (15)

   1. www.cnn.com — Israel’s Netanyahu made a secret visit to the UAE on Sunday, source says
   2. Financial Times — How the UAE became a destination for Israelis
   3. en.globes.co.il — Israeli airlines to resume Dubai flights after six month hiatus
   4. vinnews.com — El Al Prepares to Resume Tel Aviv-Dubai Flights in November
   5. egyptindependent.com — How Dubai became one of Israel’s most popular foreign destinations
   6. The New York Times — FlyDubai Provides Key Link for Israeli Air Travelers
   7. The Jerusalem Post — Live Updates: Latest from Israel, Iran, and the Middle East
   8. The Times of Israel — Cockpit attack puts spotlight on flydubai, a key air link for Israelis since Oct. 7
   9. edition.cnn.com — Jared Kushner’s company has large stake in firm with Israeli military links | CNN
   10. www.straitstimes.com — flydubai attack exposes gaps in Israel airline security
   11. www.ynetnews.com — The Gulf welcomes Israelis, but its rules still apply - ynetglobal
   12. www.jpost.com — Jewish communities worldwide under heightened threat after flydubai attack
   confidence 95%