Saudi Arabia removed the United Arab Emirates, Argentina and South Africa from its entry banned country list and re-allowed citizens to travel to the three countries starting Sept. 8, Reuters reports, citing state media.
The decision comes just weeks before Dubai is set to host the Dubai Expo 2020 trade fair.
According to Bloomberg, the decision to lift restrictions comes a day after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke to the de facto ruler of the UAE, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed.
The two discussed “the prospects of further consolidating the strategic cooperation” between the nations.
Citizens will be able to travel to the three countries starting Wednesday, SPA said.
The decision by Saudi Arabia is a boon to the UAE’s hopes of a successful Expo 2020. According to the Bloomberg report, Dubai is targeting 25 million visits to the six-month event, which starts next month and is expected to generate billions of dollars for the government.
It will be one of the biggest in-person events since the start of the pandemic.
