UAE envoy hopeful UK's 'red list' decision will be 'reconsidered'

The UK's decision to keep the UAE on the 'red list', despite the country carrying out extensive COVID-19 vaccination drives and rapid testing systems is disappointing.

That's the word of the UAE's ambassador to the UK, Mansoor Abulhoul, who expressed hope that the decision will be "reconsidered at the next opportunity" as it will help "reconnect the families and friends separated by the pandemic".

He highlighted how the "UAE is currently one of the safest countries in the world in relation to COVID-19".

In an official statement, released on his social media channels, Abulhoul said, "We have the second-fastest vaccination rate, one of the world's most intensive testing systems, and are combatting the spread of concerning variants by restricting entry from high-risk countries," he said in his statement.

"We are disappointed by this outcome and hope the UAE's status will be reconsidered at the next opportunity.

"Summer is a key season for Emiratis and the hundreds of thousands of Britons living in the UAE to visit the UK. We hope to reconnect the families and friends separated by the pandemic as as resume the vital trade and tourism links between our countries. 

As per the UK travel guideline, British and Irish nationals returning from countries on the 'red list' will have to undergo mandatory 10-day hotel quarantine.

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