Gulf states ask citizens to avoid Lebanon travel

Abu Dhabi: The UAE, Qatar and Bahrain, citing security concerns, yesterday urged their citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon, where clashes linked to the conflict in neighbouring Syria have left several people dead.

An official from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Gulf News that a communiqué also asked Emiratis who are in Lebanon whether as tourists, businessmen or even students to leave the country.

"Those who have to be in Lebanon should be in contact with the UAE Embassy and they are urged to exit the country as soon as possible," the official said. "They should avoid checkpoints and all places with military presence. We have requested universities and institutes to coordinate with the Emirati students who are there for summer courses," he added.

Heavy fighting which rocked Lebanon's northern port city of Tripoli in the past week left 10 people dead.

In Syria yesterday a suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden car outside security headquarters in the eastern city of Deir Al Zor, killing nine people and wounding 100.

Another 10 people were killed elsewhere in the country.

Several countries, including the US and UK, have issued Lebanon travel warnings.

Saudi Arabia last month warned Saudis to stay away from Lebanon's border areas, after two Saudi citizens were kidnapped and tortured for eight days, before being freed in a joint Saudi-Lebanese operation.

A Qatari national is also reported to have been kidnapped in Lebanon recently.

Dangers

"The situation in Lebanon is not encouraging to travel. I would love to visit my parents but I can't expose my wife and children to the risks and dangers of being in Lebanon," Elias Yousuf, Lebanese, 34, told Gulf News.

"I was planning to spend a holiday in Lebanon, but this warning is of great concern. I will abide by the recommendations of the government which has people on the ground who are astute in assessing safety conditions in general," said Aisha Al Mutawa, a 26-year-old Emirati.

Ambassador Eisa Abdullah Masoud Al Kalbani, director of the department of Nationals' Affairs at the UAE Foreign Affairs Ministry, said it was important that citizens register on the ministry's online Tawajudi programme when leaving the Emirates.

Qatari nationals needing to stay in Lebanon should inform their embassy in Beirut and provide their names, addresses and means of contact.

Meanwhile, Lebanese Foreign Affairs Minister Adnan Mansour urged the Gulf countries to review their decision because the security situation in Lebanon does not require such steps.

— With inputs from AFP

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UAE signs initial Agreement with Kenya to Avoid Double Taxation on income

WAM Abu Dhabi, July 5th, 2011 (WAM) -- In line with its continuous efforts to enhance its financial and economical relations with other countries and to ensure its sustainable growth, the UAE has signed an agreement with the Republic of Kenya to avoid double taxation on income.

Signed by the Ministry of Finance (MoF) on behalf of the UAE, the agreement is expected to further develop financial cooperation between both parties. It also aims at supporting investment opportunities and financial development efforts between the UAE and the Republic of Kenya, in addition to implementing progress goals set by the UAE leadership.

Coinciding with the UAE's efforts to enhance its participation in the global economy, the signed agreement supports leadership efforts in facilitating the free movement of factors of production, increasing available investment opportunities, promoting import and export activities, in addition to developing trade practices and exports.

Commenting on the agreement, Younis Haji Al Khouri, Undersecretary of (MOF), emphasized that the new agreement would shape the legal framework for tax relationships with the Republic of Kenya and would administer financial and economic interactions by Emirati and Kenyan investors in both countries.

"The UAE will be receiving a range of benefits as a result of the signed agreement. Such agreements are important as they allow Emirati investors to obtain tax reductions and exemptions on income and capital in both the public and private sectors. Furthermore, these agreements aim at protecting UAE investments from additional taxation in the future, while also maintaining Emirati investors' rights in withdrawing their investment capital from any of the countries that have entered these agreements," Al Khouri said.

The UAE has signed 57 similar agreements to date in support of its efforts to diversify income through the reduction of transaction tax applied on UAE investments, whilst also enhancing bilateral trade relations, the ability to attract foreign investment, and the free flow of capital.

Moreover, such agreements also aim at promoting the UAE's regional and international economical and financial role, and at avoiding double taxation through the creation of a conducive investment climate in both the public and private sectors. They also support efforts to enhance the air transport industry and increase trade and tourism practices.

WAM/ES/AM

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