No change in Europe visa privileges for Emiratis

Dubai - Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Fondi's response to unconfirmed news of the EU possibly abolishing the Schengen visa for Emiratis travelling to one of its 28 member states, was blatant - it is 'absolutely' not going to happen.

The newly appointed EU Ambassador to the UAE, Patrizio Fondi, has stressed that the rules around the Schengen visa waiver, permitting Emiratis to travel to Europe, will not change.
"When we laid down the rules and introduced the Schengen visa to Emiratis, we did so because we have maximum trust in the citizens of the UAE. That trust remains intact."
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Fondi's response to unconfirmed news of the EU possibly abolishing the Schengen visa for Emiratis travelling to one of its 28 member states, was blatant - it is 'absolutely' not going to happen.
"We are not going to take away any privileges the Schengen visa gives to Emiratis. But for some period of time there will be more stringent controls at borders ... but they will absolutely not be blocked for Emirati travelers," he said.
Though Fondi is not new to the region, he is new to the UAE. With just seven months to his name in Abu Dhabi, his knowledge of the regional issues is impressive.
The former Italian Ambassador to Jordan moved to Abu Dhabi in the latter half of 2015, and will now be serving as the EU's representative in the country for the next four years.
Talking more on the Schengen visa issue, he said as with any situation where the terror threat is high, delays will be inevitable at borders, but it is something we all have to bear with it.
A healthy outlook
During his short stint in the UAE, Italian-born Fondi said he has noticed one thing about the country - people's hesitancy to get active.
Though he said improving the health of its citizens has become a focus for the UAE leadership, he would like to see more people out walking.
"I know diabetes is a huge problem in this region but there is lots being done to encourage people to be more active. However, I still feel very alone when I go out walking."
kelly@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE