CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> <html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" profile="http://gmpg.org/xfn/11" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> <head><script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/bundle-playback.js?v=HxkREWBo" charset="utf-8"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/wombat.js?v=txqj7nKC" charset="utf-8"></script> <script>window.RufflePlayer=window.RufflePlayer||{};window.RufflePlayer.config={"autoplay":"on","unmuteOverlay":"hidden"};</script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/ruffle/ruffle.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> __wm.init("https://web.archive.org/web"); __wm.wombat("http://www.arabianbusiness.com:80/arab-spring-curbs-visa-free-travel-for-citizens-415428.html","20110930093840","https://web.archive.org/","web","/_static/", "1317375520"); </script> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/_static/css/banner-styles.css?v=S1zqJCYt" /> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/_static/css/iconochive.css?v=3PDvdIFv" />  <link href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840im_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/favicon.ico" rel="shortcut icon" type="image/x-icon"/> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"/> <link rel="pingback" href="http://www.arabianbusiness.com/xmlrpc"/> <script type="text/javascript"> var ITP = {}; ITP.skinPath = "skins/ab.main"; ITP.docPath = document.location.hostname; ITP.esiPath = "esi/template/widgets"; ITP.dcadno = Math.round(Math.random()*10000000); ITP.debug = false; </script>  <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" media="screen" href="/web/20110930093840cs_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/gzip_527233691/lib.css"/> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" media="screen" href="/web/20110930093840cs_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/gzip_N579725532/pack/ab.main.css"/> <script type="text/javascript" src="/web/20110930093840js_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/gzip_N1305329060/lib.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/web/20110930093840js_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/gzip_186875911/pack/ab.main.js"></script>  <script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq_user = 'Existing User'; (function(o,l){ if (o(l) == null){ o('_em_hl', null); o('_em_vt', null); o('_em_v', null); o('_em_sv', null); o(l,true,{expires:365}); _gaq_user = 'New user' } })($.cookie,'_emoff'); var _gaq = _gaq || []; //UA-299199-6 = Live. UA-299199-13 = Dev //['_setCustomVar',1,'Section','industries | travel-hospitality | ID-415428',3], //['_setCustomVar',2,'Article','arab-spring-curbs-visa-free-travel-for-citizens',3], _gaq.push(['_setAccount','UA-299199-6'], ['_setDomainName','.arabianbusiness.com'], ['_setCustomVar',1,'Section','industries | travel-hospitality | ID-415428',3], ['_setCustomVar',2,'Article','arab-spring-curbs-visa-free-travel-for-citizens',3], ['_setCustomVar',3,'Author','Shane McGinley',3], ['_setCustomVar',4,'_pagemap','en-w-at-415428',3], ['_setCustomVar',5,'_pagetags','A-e2-d7-d2-c7-c3-e7-79-66-20-13-h28-24-6-19-5-g2-',3], ['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/https://ssl' : 'https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script> <title> Arab Spring curbs visa-free travel for citizens - Travel & Hospitality - ArabianBusiness.com</title> <meta name="description" content=""/> <meta name="keywords" content="Arab,Spring,curbs,visafree,travel,citizens,Political,unrest,sees,visa,restrictions,tighten,citizens,some,Arab,states,,,Arab uprisings,Middle East Business News,Dubai Business News,UAE Business News,GCC Business News,Emirates Business News,Gulf News"/> <style> #listbullet.listbullet .wts {border-top:none;padding-top:0;font-family:arial,Helvatica;line-height:16px; padding-bottom:5px} /* div.sec-gcc_uae_politics, div.sec-gcc_bahrain_politics, div.sec-gcc_kuwait_politics, div.sec-gcc_oman_politics, div.sec-gcc_qatar_politics, div.sec-gcc_saudi_arabia_politics, div.sec-industries_banking_finance, div.sec-politics {background:url("/web/20110930093840im_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/skins/ab.main/gfx/Jag_XJ-_Homepage_Takeover_Final3.jpg?312") repeat-x fixed center -80px #000;} div.sec-testing {background:url("/web/20110930093840im_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/skins/ab.main/gfx/bg-ad_du_12-10-2010.jpg?321") repeat-x fixed center 100px #0F608A;} */ </style> </head> <body> <div id="itp-antenna"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> ITP.antenna = $("#itp-antenna"); </script> <div id="wholebody" class="bg-ad sec-industries_travel_hospitality "> <div id="pageHeader"> <style> div#main-menu table td.last a { font-size:11px; background:#003480; color:#fff; font-weight:bold; } </style> <div class="top-banner"> <div class="container"> <div class="leaderboard"> <div class="widget ad" style="text-align:center;"> <div class="advert">  <div id="id78256" class="adleaderboard" style="display:-moz-inline-box; display:-webkit-inline-box; display:inline-block; margin:0; width:auto; height:auto; overflow:visible;">  <script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">if(typeof(DFP_ord) == "undefined"){var DFP_ord = 1317375515;} if(typeof(DFP_host) == "undefined"){var DFP_host = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://" : "http://");} if(typeof(DFP_adid) == "undefined"){var DFP_adid = "";} if(typeof(DFP_tile) == "undefined"){var DFP_tile = 1;} else {DFP_tile++;} document.write('<scr'+'ipt language="JavaScript" src="' + DFP_host + 'ad.doubleclick.net/adj/ab_en/industries/travel-hospitality/;artid=415428;sect=industries_travel_hospitality;sz=728x90;tile=' + DFP_tile + ';pos=leaderboard;comp=' + DFP_adid + ';ord='+DFP_ord+'?" type="text/javascript"></scr'+'ipt>');</script> <noscript> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/ab_en/industries/travel-hospitality/;artid=415428;sect=industries_travel_hospitality;sz=728x90;tile=1;pos=leaderboard;comp=;ord=1317375515" target="_blank"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840im_/http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/ab_en/industries/travel-hospitality/;artid=415428;sect=industries_travel_hospitality;sz=728x90;tile=1;pos=leaderboard;comp=;ord=1317375515" width="728" height="90" border="0" alt=""></a> </noscript> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="editorial"> <div class="widget ad" style="text-align:center;"> <div class="advert">  <div id="id95367" class="adeditorial" style="display:-moz-inline-box; display:-webkit-inline-box; display:inline-block; margin:0; width:auto; height:auto; overflow:visible;">  <script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">if(typeof(DFP_ord) == "undefined"){var DFP_ord = 1317375515;} if(typeof(DFP_host) == "undefined"){var DFP_host = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://" : "http://");} if(typeof(DFP_adid) == "undefined"){var DFP_adid = "";} if(typeof(DFP_tile) == "undefined"){var DFP_tile = 1;} else {DFP_tile++;} document.write('<scr'+'ipt language="JavaScript" src="' + DFP_host + 'ad.doubleclick.net/adj/ab_en/industries/travel-hospitality/;artid=415428;sect=industries_travel_hospitality;sz=220x90;tile=' + DFP_tile + ';pos=editorial;comp=' + DFP_adid + ';ord='+DFP_ord+'?" type="text/javascript"></scr'+'ipt>');</script> <noscript> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/ab_en/industries/travel-hospitality/;artid=415428;sect=industries_travel_hospitality;sz=220x90;tile=3;pos=editorial;comp=;ord=1317375515" target="_blank"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840im_/http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/ab_en/industries/travel-hospitality/;artid=415428;sect=industries_travel_hospitality;sz=220x90;tile=3;pos=editorial;comp=;ord=1317375515" width="220" height="90" border="0" alt=""></a> </noscript> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="top-branding"> <div class="container"> <div class="logo" role="Banner"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/" title="Arabian Business" rev="Homepage"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840im_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/skins/ab.main/gfx/arabianbusiness_logo.png" alt="Arabian Business Logo"/> </a> </div> <div class="region" style="z-index:100"> <div class="kapatici"></div> <span>EDITION:</span> <ul> <li id="abeditionlable"><a href="# Editions" id="edition_drop">Int 'l</a> <ul id="ab_editions"> <li><a href="#:International" rel="all" class="mI"><dfn>International </dfn><span>Int 'l</span></a></li> <li><a href="#:Bahrain_Edition" rel="gcc_bahrain" class="mI"><dfn>Bahrain </dfn><span>BAH</span></a></li> <li><a href="#:Kuwait_Edition" rel="gcc_kuwait" class="mI"><dfn>Kuwait </dfn><span>KUW</span></a></li> <li><a href="#:Oman_Edition" rel="gcc_oman" class="mI"><dfn>Oman </dfn><span>OMN</span></a></li> <li><a href="#:Qatar_Edition" rel="gcc_qatar" class="mI"><dfn>Qatar </dfn><span>QAT</span></a></li> <li><a href="#:Saudi_Arabia_Edition" rel="gcc_saudi_arabia" class="mI"><dfn>Saudi Arabia </dfn><span>KSA</span></a></li> <li><a href="#:United_Arab_Emirates_Edition" rel="gcc_uae" class="mI"><dfn>United Arab Emirates </dfn><span>UAE</span></a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> <form id="region" name="region" method="post"> <input id="regionName" name="regionName" value="" type="hidden"/> </form> <script type="text/javascript"> (function(){ var region = $('div.region, div.region > div.kapatici'); ITP.clickMenu('#edition_drop',"#ab_editions",'.mI'); //Menu mechanics ITP.regionSwitcher(); //Region switch function $('#edition_drop').toggle( function(){ $(region).addClass('topactif').stop().animate({backgroundColor:'#333'},'fast'); $(region).css('z-index', '300'); },function(){ $(region).removeClass('topactif').stop().animate({backgroundColor:'#DC0A0A'},'fast'); $(region).css('z-index',''); } ); $('#edition_drop').hover( function(){ if(!$('div.region').hasClass('topactif')){ $(region).stop().animate({backgroundColor:'#900'},'fast'); } }, function(){ if(!$('div.region').hasClass('topactif')){ $(region).stop().animate({backgroundColor:'#DC0A0A'},'fast'); } } ); /* $('#ab_editions li a').mouseup(function(){ var msg = $(this).find('dfn').text(); var whitebox = $('<div style="position:absolute;z-index:2000;top:50%;left:50%; display:none; background:#ddc; height:50px; width:300px;margin-top:-25px; margin-left:-150px; position:fixed; line-height:50px; text-align:center;border:5px solid #666">Changing edition to <strong><em>'+msg+'</em></strong></div>').fadeTo('normal',1); var trans = $('<div style="position:absolute;z-index:1500;top:0;left:0; display:none;background:#fff; height:100%;width:100%;position:fixed; "></div>').fadeTo('fast',.6); $('#ab_editions').slideUp('normal'); $('#wholebody').css('position','relative').append(trans); $('body').append(whitebox); }); if(!ITP.editionCookie) { var closer = $('<span style="float:right; font-size:10px; display:block; cursor:pointer; cursor:hand; ">Close x</span>').click(function(){ $("#informative").slideUp('slow'); $.cookie('edition_closed',true,{expires:1}); }); var infor = $('<div id="informative" style="background:#333;display:none; text-align:center;font-weight:normal; padding:10px; font-size:16px;color:#eee;">Welcome to Arabian Business. You can change your edition by selecting your region from the menu below.</div>'); infor.insertAfter('#pageHeader .top-banner'); $("#informative").append(closer); $(function(){ setTimeout(function(){ $("#informative").slideDown('slow'); },2000); }); } */ })(); </script> <div id="login-link"> <div class="kapatici"></div> <span>YOU ARE NOT LOGGED IN:</span> <ul> <li><a id="top-login" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/register/login/">Services</a></li> </ul> <div id="floater"> <div class="contain"> <div class="loginfrm"> <form action="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/login" method="post" id="logform"> <h4>Log in <span>Not registered? <a id="regislink" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/register" style="font-weight:bold;">Register now!</a></span></h4> <p> <label for="username" style="display:block">Username:</label> <input id="userName" name="userName" type="text" value="" class="field"/> </p> <script> ITP.Validate.email("#userName"); </script> <p> <label for="password" style="display:block">Password:</label> <input id="password" name="password" type="password" value="" class="field" style="margin-bottom:10px;"/> </p> <p> <input id="remember" type="checkbox" class="checkbox"/><label for="remember">Remember me on this computer</label> </p> <p><button id="userlogin" class="gbutton" type="submit"><span style="color:#333;font-size:14px;text-transform:none;padding:0 20px 0 10px;">Login</span></button></p> <input name="samePage" id="samePage" value="1" type="hidden" style="display:none"/> <input name="crm_website_id" type="hidden" value="20"/> </form> <p style="font-size:11px;margin-bottom:9px;"><a class="i281 i-let" id="userremind" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/register/forgot-password/">Help, I forgot my username and/or password</a></p> <script language="javascript"> $('#userremind').toggle( function(){ $(this).text('Take me back to the login form').removeClass('i281').addClass('i015'); $('#ureminder').stop().slideDown('normal'); $('#logform').stop().slideUp('normal'); }, function(){ $(this).text('Help, I forgot my username and/or password').removeClass('i015').addClass('i281') $('#ureminder').stop().slideUp('normal'); $('#logform').stop().slideDown('normal') } ); </script> <div id="ureminder" class="reminder"> <h4 style="font-size:14px; color:#eee;">Retrieve password form</h4> <form action="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/login/forget_password" method="post"> <p style="line-height:13px; font-size:11px; color:#eee; font-weight:normal;">We can only send passwords to the e-mail address you're registered with. If you can not remember it, or have any other problem, please e-mail <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/mailto:registration@arabianbusiness.com" style="color:#ddf; font-weight:bold;">registration@arabianbusiness.com</a></p> <p> <label for="remindemail" style="color:#eee;">Registered e-mail adress:</label> <input type="text" value="" valrequired="1" valtype="valEmail" name="email" class="field" id="email"/> <input name="ws" id="ws" value="ArabianBusiness.com" type="hidden" style="display:none"/> <input name="url" id="url" value="/" type="hidden" style="display:none"/> <script> ITP.Validate.email("#email"); </script> </p> <p><button id="reqpass" class="gbutton" type="submit"><span style="color:#333;font-size:14px;text-transform:none;padding:0 20px 0 10px; line-height:30px;">Retrieve password</span></button></p> <p><span>Need to register? <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/register">Click here</a></span><p> </form> </div> </div> <div id="serviceslist"> <h4>Services:</h4> <ul> <li><a class="i145 i-let" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/register/subscribe/">Newsletters</a></li> <li><a class="i153 i-let" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/rss">RSS Feeds</a></li> <li><a class="i237 i-let" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://m.arabianbusiness.com/" target="_blank">Mobile Site</a></li> <li><a class="i153 i-let" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/newsbar/">News Bar</a></li> <li><a class="i059 i-let" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.itp.com/subscriptions/" target="_blank">Subscriptions</a></li> <li><a class="i195 i-let" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/advertise-159144.html">Media Information</a></li> <li><a class="i175 i-let" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/contact-us-159143.html">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <script language="javascript"> (function(){ var currentBackground = $(".region:first").css("backgroundColor"); var logins = $('div#login-link, div#login-link > div.kapatici'); ITP.clickMenu('#top-login',"#floater",'#userlogin, #regislink, #logouter, #reqpass'); //Menu mechanics $('#top-login').toggle( function(e){ e.preventDefault(); $(logins).addClass('topactif').stop().animate({backgroundColor:'#333'},'fast'); },function(e){ e.preventDefault(); $(logins).removeClass('topactif').stop().animate({backgroundColor:currentBackground},'fast'); } ); $('#top-login').hover( function(){ if($('div#login-link').hasClass('topactif') !== true){ $(logins).stop().animate({backgroundColor:'#900'},'fast'); } }, function(){ if($('div#login-link').hasClass('topactif') !== true){ $(logins).stop().animate({backgroundColor:currentBackground},'fast'); } } ); $('#userlogin, #regislink, #logouter').bind('mouseup', function(){ if($(this).attr('id') === 'userlogin'){ var msg = '<strong>Logging in as </strong><em>' + $('#userName').val() +'</em>'; } else if ($(this).attr('id') === 'logouter') { var msg = '<strong>Logging out </strong><em> </em>'; } else if ($(this).attr('id') === 'regislink'){ var msg = 'Preparing registiration form...'; } else if ($(this).attr('id') === 'reqpass'){ var msg = '<strong>Sending password for </strong><em>' + $('#email').val() +'</em>'; } var whitebox = $('<div style="position:absolute;z-index:2000;top:50%;left:50%; display:none; background:#ddc; height:50px; width:300px;margin-top:-25px; margin-left:-150px; position:fixed; line-height:50px; text-align:center;border:5px solid #666">'+msg+'</div>').fadeTo('normal',1); var trans = $('<div style="position:absolute;z-index:1500;top:0;left:0; display:none;background:#fff; height:100%;width:100%;position:fixed; "></div>').fadeTo('fast',.6); $('#wholebody').css('position','relative').append(trans); $('body').append(whitebox); }); $('#password').blur(function(){ // unbinding keydown event when blur happened $(this).unbind('keydown'); }).focus(function(){ // binding keydown event and checking for enter key to enable white box $(this).keydown(function(e){ if(e.keyCode === 13){ $('#userlogin').trigger('mouseup'); } }); }); })(); </script> </div> <script> function openEmailAlert(timestp,encId) { var emailUrl = 'https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://v4.test.arabianbusiness.com/index2.php?option=com_alerts&uir=' +timestp+'&new=1&loged=1&u='+encId; window.open(emailUrl,'window','toolbar=no,location=no,status=no,menubar=no,'+ 'scrollbars=yes,resizable=no,channelmode=no,directories=no,width=690,height=350,top=100,left=200'); } </script> <div class="language"> <span>LANGUAGE:</span> <ul> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/arabic">بالعربية</a></li> </ul> </div> <div role="search" class="search"> <form method="get" name="frmSearch" action="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/search/"> <span id="searchtypes"> <input id="rd-all" type="radio" name="type" value="news|company|itpPeople|plainVideo|youtubeVideo|gallery" checked="checked"/> <label for="rd-all">All</label> <input id="rd-art" type="radio" name="type" value="news"/> <label for="rd-art">Articles</label> <input id="rd-vid" type="radio" name="type" value="youtubeVideo|plainVideo"/> <label for="rd-vid">Videos</label> <input id="rd-pho" type="radio" name="type" value="gallery"/> <label for="rd-pho">Photos</label> <input id="rd-com" type="radio" name="type" value="company"/> <label for="rd-com">Companies</label> <input id="rd-peo" type="radio" name="type" value="itpPeople"/> <label for="rd-peo">People</label> </span> <span id="searchinputs"> <input type="hidden" name="pageLength" value="5"/> <input type="text" class="field" name="q" value=""/> <input type="submit" class="button" value="Click here to search"/> </span> </form> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> $('#searchtypes').addClass('js'); var labels = $('#searchtypes label'); labels.first().addClass('active'); labels.each(function(){ var input = $(this).prev(); if(input.attr('checked')){ setActive($(this)); } $(this).click(function(){ setActive($(this)); }); function setActive(that){ if(!that.hasClass('active')) { labels.removeClass('active'); that.addClass('active') } } }); </script> </div> </div> <div role="navigation" class="menu horizontal-menu levels2" id="main-menu"> <div class="mlev1"> <table> <tr> <td class="first"> <a rel="section" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/"> Home </a> </td> <td class=""> <a rel="section" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/gcc/"> GCC </a> </td> <td class=""> <a rel="section" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/world/"> World </a> </td> <td class=""> <a rel="section" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/" class="active"> Industries </a> </td> <td class=""> <a rel="section" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/markets/"> Markets </a> </td> <td class=""> <a rel="section" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/opinion/"> Opinion </a> </td> <td class=""> <a rel="section" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/interviews/"> Interviews </a> </td> <td class=""> <a rel="section" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/photos/"> Photos </a> </td> <td class=""> <a rel="section" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/videos/"> Video </a> </td> <td class=""> <a rel="section" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/lists/"> Lists </a> </td> <td class=""> <a rel="section" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/lifestyle/"> Lifestyle </a> </td> <td class=" others"> <a rel="section" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/topics/"> Topics </a> </td> <td class=" others"> <a rel="section" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/jobs"> Jobs </a> </td> <td class=" others"> <a rel="section" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/property"> Property </a> </td> <td class=" twofour54"> <a rel="section" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/twofour/"> twofour54 </a> </td> <td class="last"> <a rel="section" href="universityofliverpool/"> UOL </a> </td> </tr> </table> </div> <div class="mlev2"> <div class="submenu"> <ul> <li class="first"> <a rel="section" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/banking-finance/"> Banking & Finance </a> </li> <li class=""> <a rel="section" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/construction/"> Construction </a> </li> <li class=""> <a rel="section" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/education/"> Education </a> </li> <li class=""> <a rel="section" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/energy/"> Energy </a> </li> <li class=""> <a rel="section" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/healthcare/"> Healthcare </a> </li> <li class=""> <a rel="section" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/media/"> Media </a> </li> <li class=""> <a rel="section" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/real-estate/"> Real Estate </a> </li> <li class=""> <a rel="section" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/retail/"> Retail </a> </li> <li class=""> <a rel="section" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/technology/"> Technology </a> </li> <li class=""> <a rel="section" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/transport/"> Transport </a> </li> <li class="last"> <a rel="section" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/travel-hospitality/" class="active"> Travel & Hospitality </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <script> $(function(){ var elementWidth = 0; var e; var temp = $('<ul class="more" style="display:none; z-index:99999"/>'); var actMorelink = false; $('div.mlev2 div.submenu ul li').each(function(i){ elementWidth += $(this).width() if(elementWidth>969){ var tem = $(this) temp.append($(this)) actMorelink = true } }); if(actMorelink){ $('div.mlev2 div.submenu ul').each(function(){ var moreLI = $('<li class="morelink"><a href="#:here">More</a></li>').mouseover(function(){ temp.css({'display':'block'}) }).mouseout(function(){ temp.css({'display':'none'}) }); $(this).append(moreLI) moreLI.append(temp); }); } }); </script> </div> <div id="pageBody" class="news"> <div id="shell"> <div class="storyContent" id="article-title"> <h1> Arab Spring curbs visa-free travel for citizens </h1> </div> <div class="articleTabs"> <ul class="tabs"> <li class="tarticle selected first">Article</li> <li class="comments"><a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/arab-spring-curbs-visa-free-travel-for-citizens-415428.html?tab=Comments">Reader Comments (7)</a></li> <li class="tvideos last"><a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/arab-spring-curbs-visa-free-travel-for-citizens-415428.html?tab=Videos">Videos</a></li> <li class="right"></li> <li class="bottom_line"></li> </ul> </div> <div class="activeTab article"> <div class="frame c4c2 b9"> <div class="split x4"> <style type="text/css"> #cPush {height:0px; visibility: hidden; overflow:hidden; margin:0; position:relative;} #cPush .advert{border:0; padding:0;} </style> <div class="widget ad" id="cPush" style="text-align:center;"> <div class="advert">  <div id="id41524" class="adcontentpush" style="display:-moz-inline-box; display:-webkit-inline-box; display:inline-block; margin:0; width:auto; height:auto; overflow:visible;">  <script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">if(typeof(DFP_ord) == "undefined"){var DFP_ord = 1317375515;} if(typeof(DFP_host) == "undefined"){var DFP_host = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://" : "http://");} if(typeof(DFP_adid) == "undefined"){var DFP_adid = "";} if(typeof(DFP_tile) == "undefined"){var DFP_tile = 1;} else {DFP_tile++;} document.write('<scr'+'ipt language="JavaScript" src="' + DFP_host + 'ad.doubleclick.net/adj/ab_en/industries/travel-hospitality/;artid=415428;sect=industries_travel_hospitality;sz=632x356;tile=' + DFP_tile + ';pos=contentpush;comp=' + DFP_adid + ';ord='+DFP_ord+'?" type="text/javascript"></scr'+'ipt>');</script> <noscript> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/ab_en/industries/travel-hospitality/;artid=415428;sect=industries_travel_hospitality;sz=632x356;tile=20;pos=contentpush;comp=;ord=1317375515" target="_blank"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840im_/http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/ab_en/industries/travel-hospitality/;artid=415428;sect=industries_travel_hospitality;sz=632x356;tile=20;pos=contentpush;comp=;ord=1317375515" width="632" height="356" border="0" alt=""></a> </noscript> </div> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> ITP.cPush=$('#cPush');ITP.cPushAdHeight=ITP.cPush.find('.advert:first').height();ITP.cPushTimeout=null;ITP.cPushOpenerT=null; if (ITP.cPushAdHeight<356){ITP.cPushAdHeight=356} ITP.cPush.mouseenter(function(){f4d_init_expand_layer()}).mouseleave(function(){f4d_init_collapse_layer()}); function f4d_init_expand_layer(){clearTimeout(ITP.cPushTimeout);ITP.cPushOpenerT=setTimeout(function(){ITP.cPush.css('visibility','visible').stop().animate({height:ITP.cPushAdHeight},900,'outBack')},500)} function f4d_init_collapse_layer(){clearTimeout(ITP.cPushOpenerT);ITP.cPushTimeout=setTimeout(function(){ITP.cPush.animate({height:0},500,'outCubic',function(){$(this).css('visibility','')})},300)} </script> <div class="colgroup"> <div class="col g4"> <input type="hidden" value="" class="currentarea"/> <div class="storyContent"> <cite class="byline"> <span>By</span> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/mailto:shane.mcginley@itp.com "> Shane McGinley </a> </cite> <ul class="dateline"><li class="pdate">Sunday, 14 August 2011 9:38 AM</li> </ul> </div> <div class="social-media-container" style="position:relative;"> <div style="position:absolute; left:-85px; background-color:#fff; border:1px solid #ccc; border-right:1px solid #fff; width:68px; height:230px;"> <div id="facebook_frame_container" style="position:absolute; margin:10px 0 0 13px;"> <a class="addthis_button_facebook_like" fb:like:layout="box_count" fb:like:show_faces="false" fb:like:action="like" fb:like:width="55" fb:like:height="65"></a> </div> <div id="twitter_frame_container" style="position:absolute; margin:85px 0 0 10px;"> <a class="addthis_button_tweet" tw:count="vertical" tw:text="Arab Spring curbs visa-free travel for citizens" tw:via="ArabianBusiness"></a> </div> <div id="linkedin_frame_container" style="position:absolute; margin:162px 0 0 10px;"> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840js_/http://platform.linkedin.com/in.js"></script><script type="in/share" data-counter="top"></script> </div> <style type="text/css"> #shell {overflow:visible;} </style> </div> </div> <div class="grey-arrow"></div> <div class="page-tools"> <ul> <li><a title="Share via facebook" class="addthis_button_facebook scbut-facebook"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840im_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/skins/ab.main/gfx/transparent.gif" width="57" height="16" alt="Share via facebook" style="border:0"/></a></li> <li><a title="Tweet this" target="_blank" class="addthis_button_twitter scbut-twitter"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840im_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/skins/ab.main/gfx/transparent.gif" width="51" height="16" alt="Tweet this" style="border:0"/></a></li> <li> <div class="addthis_toolbox"> <div class="custom_hover"> <span class="custom_button"> <a class="addthis_button" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=affan2"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840im_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/skins/ab.main/gfx/transparent.gif" width="83" height="16" alt="Bookmark and Share" style="border:0"/></a> <script type="text/javascript"> var addthis_share = { templates: { twitter: 'Arab Spring curbs visa-free travel for citizens {{url}} via @ArabianBusiness' } } var addthis_config = { ui_header_color: "#fff", ui_header_background: "#DC0A0A", services_exclude: "email,print", ui_cobrand: "ArabianBusiness.com", data_track_clickback: true, services_exclude: 'email,print', username: 'affan2' }; </script> <span id="addthiswd"><script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840js_/http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=affan2"></script></span> </span> </div> </div> </li> <li><a href="javascript:;" onclick="window.open('/arab-spring-curbs-visa-free-travel-for-citizens-415428.html/?view=email','email','width=1018,height=650,scrollbars=yes')" title="Email" class="scbut-email"></a></li> <li><a href="javascript:doaction('?service=printer&page=')" title="Print" class="scbut-print"></a></li> </ul> <script type="text/javascript"> function doaction(str){ var wLocation = window.location + str; wLocation = wLocation.replace("??", "?"); window.open(wLocation,'print','width=1018,height=650,scrollbars=yes'); } </script> </div> </div> </div> <div class="colgroup"> <div class="col g3"> <input type="hidden" value="" class="currentarea"/> <div class="spacer"></div> <div class="story-image g3l"> <img src="/web/20110930093840im_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/incoming/article368819.ece/ALTERNATES/g3l/79362141.jpg" width="474" height="318" alt="Kuwait ranked top among the Gulf states, followed by Qatar, the UAE and Saudi"/> <div class="captionoverlay"> <p>Kuwait ranked top among the Gulf states, followed by Qatar, the UAE and Saudi</p> </div> </div> <div class="storyContent"> <div class="body"> <script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript" src="/web/20110930093840js_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/resources/js/jquery.jHelperTip.1.0.js"></script> <style type="text/css">a.smartlink,a.smartlink:link,a.smartlink:visited{color: #cc0000;text-decoration: underline; border-bottom: 1px solid #cc0000;}a.smartlink:active,a.smartlink:hover{color:#cc0000;border-bottom: 2px solid #cc0000;} #jHelperTipContainer{background:#ffffff;padding:5px;color:#cc0000;font:9px verdana;}</style> <script language="JavaScript" type="text/JavaScript"> $(function(){$.fn.jHelperTip.defaults = {trigger: "hover",topOff: 3,leftOff: 10,source: "ajax",type: "GET",url: '/smartlink.php', data: '',loadingImg: "/skins/ab.main/gfx/ajax-loader.gif", loadingText: "Loading...",attrName: '',ttC: "#jHelperTipContainer", dC: "#jHelperTipDataContainer",aC: "#jHelperTipAttrContainer",opacity: 1.0,autoClose: false}}); </script> <p>Visa restrictions for citizens of some Arab states have tightened in the wake of the Arab Spring that spurred violent uprisings across the region, a new report has found.</p> <p>According to Henley & Partners’ Visa Restrictions Index, a global ranking of 194 countries according to the travel freedoms their citizen enjoy, passport holders from parts of the Arab world now need visas to enter more countries. </p> <p>Citizens of Bahrain, which imposed martial law and called in Gulf troops after widespread anti-regime protests, have visa-free access to 65 countries – two less than in the previous rankings.</p> <p>Tunisia, the catalyst behind the Arab Spring revolts, saw its ranking fall to 63, while citizens of Egypt can now only enter 41 countries without visas.</p> <div class="articleMPU">  <script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">if(typeof(DFP_ord) == "undefined"){var DFP_ord = 1317375515;} if(typeof(DFP_host) == "undefined"){var DFP_host = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://" : "http://");} if(typeof(DFP_adid) == "undefined"){var DFP_adid = "";} if(typeof(DFP_tile) == "undefined"){var DFP_tile = 1;} else {DFP_tile++;} document.write('<scr'+'ipt language="JavaScript" src="' + DFP_host + 'ad.doubleclick.net/adj/ab_en/industries/travel-hospitality/;artid=415428;sz=300x250;tile=' + DFP_tile + ';pos=mpu;kw=industries_travel_hospitality;comp=' + DFP_adid + ';ord='+DFP_ord+'?" type="text/javascript"></scr'+'ipt>');</script> <noscript> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/ab_en/industries/travel-hospitality/;artid=415428;sz=300x250;tile=3;pos=mpu;kw=industries_travel_hospitality;comp=;ord=1317375515" target="_blank"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840im_/http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/ab_en/industries/travel-hospitality/;artid=415428;sz=300x250;tile=3;pos=mpu;kw=industries_travel_hospitality;comp=;ord=1317375515" width="300" height="250" border="0" alt=""></a> </noscript> </div> <p>The lowest-ranked Arab countries were Lebanon and Afghanistan, whose citizens have visa-free access to 33 and 24 countries respectively.</p> <div class="articleMPU">  <script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">if(typeof(DFP_ord) == "undefined"){var DFP_ord = 1317375515;} if(typeof(DFP_host) == "undefined"){var DFP_host = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://" : "http://");} if(typeof(DFP_adid) == "undefined"){var DFP_adid = "";} if(typeof(DFP_tile) == "undefined"){var DFP_tile = 1;} else {DFP_tile++;} document.write('<scr'+'ipt language="JavaScript" src="' + DFP_host + 'ad.doubleclick.net/adj/ab_en/industries/travel-hospitality/;artid=415428;sz=300x252;tile=' + DFP_tile + ';pos=mpu;kw=industries_travel_hospitality;comp=' + DFP_adid + ';ord='+DFP_ord+'?" type="text/javascript"></scr'+'ipt>');</script> <noscript> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/ab_en/industries/travel-hospitality/;artid=415428;sz=300x252;tile=3;pos=mpu;kw=industries_travel_hospitality;comp=;ord=1317375515" target="_blank"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840im_/http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/ab_en/industries/travel-hospitality/;artid=415428;sz=300x252;tile=3;pos=mpu;kw=industries_travel_hospitality;comp=;ord=1317375515" width="300" height="252" border="0" alt=""></a> </noscript> </div> <p>Theodore Karasik, director of research at the Dubai-based Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis, said “there is an increase in visa restriction for the region across the board” as a result of violence as a result of the Arab Spring.</p> <p>“A lot of this is partly due to not pressures from outside countries but from pressures within the countries themselves about who is travelling where and for what,” he said. “It is all security-related and for protection.”</p> <p>The index reflects relationships between individual nations, as well as the status of a country within the international community.</p> <p>Kuwait ranked top among the Gulf states, with its citizens able to travel freely to 71 countries and territories.</p> <p>The UAE, which has sidestepped the unrest that affected neighbouring Bahrain and Oman, saw its rankings rise on its image as a safe haven. Citizens have visa-free access to 67 states, while those from Qatar can travel freely to 66 states. </p> <p>Saudi Arabia ranked lower, with citizens given open access to 58 states. </p> <p>Ongoing violence also impacted Libya’s and Syria’s visa scores – citizens can visit just 38 and 37 countries visa-free – but the biggest impact was seen on Pakistan.</p> <p>The Asian country saw its ranking fall five points, placing it in the bottom two. Citizens of the Asian state, which earlier this year was found to be the hiding place of al Qaeda leader, Osama bin Laden, can visit just 31 countries visa-free.</p> <p>Karasik believed Arab states were likely to fall even further down the list in the 2012 rankings as the fallout from the region’s political unrest spurs security concerns. </p> <p>“I think that is a natural process. It is not something to point fingers at, it is a security question about changes in the region,” he said. </p> <p>Scandinavian countries dominated the top of the rankings with Denmark, Sweden and Finland sharing the top spot on a score of 173. </p> <p> Germany placed in second, with visa-free access to 172 countries, while the UK, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Belgium and Italy placed third in the rankings. </p> <div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="col g1"> <input type="hidden" value="" class="currentarea"/> <div class="widget stories_multiWidgetHeadline" id="bestof"> <h5 class="wt wtc"> <span class="hedl"> <strong>Related:</strong> </span> </h5> </div> <div class="widget storiesDefault iam"> <h4 class="wt wtm"> <span class="hedl"> <strong>Stories</strong> </span> </h4> <div class="colgroup g1l1"> <div class="story g1 uCol"> <h3 class="li096 li-let"> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/migrant-workers-pick-saudi-arabia-over-uae-415223.html">Migrant workers pick Saudi Arabia over UAE</a> </h3> </div> </div> <div class="colgroup g1l1"> <div class="story g1 uCol"> <h3 class="li096 li-let"> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/dubai-ties-visa-renewal-emirates-id-card-412711.html">Dubai ties visa renewal to Emirates ID card</a> </h3> </div> </div> <div class="colgroup g1l1"> <div class="story g1 uCol"> <h3 class="li096 li-let"> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/lebanon-waives-visas-for-gulf-residents-in-tourism-push-411015.html">Lebanon waives visas for Gulf residents in tourism push</a> </h3> </div> </div> <div class="colgroup g1l1"> <div class="story g1 uCol"> <h3 class="li096 li-let"> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/pakistan-iran-buyers-may-be-sidelined-in-uae-mortgage-plan-410748.html">Pakistan, Iran buyers may be sidelined in UAE mortgage plan</a> </h3> </div> </div> <div class="colgroup g1l1"> <div class="story g1 uCol"> <h3 class="li096 li-let"> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/no-expat-quotas-for-uae-says-dubai-police-chief-410696.html">No expat quotas for UAE, says Dubai Police chief</a> </h3> </div> </div> </div> <div class="widget storiesDefault iam"> <h4 class="wt wtm"> <span class="hedl"> <strong>Videos</strong> </span> </h4> <div class="colgroup g1l1"> <div class="story g1 uCol"> <div class="pic pushl"> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/videos/travellers-resorting-bribes-exit-gaza-413702.html"> <img src="/web/20110930093840im_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/incoming/article402486.ece/ALTERNATES/g1l/114900806.jpg" height="97" width="146" alt="" border="0" title=""/> </a> </div> <h3> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/videos/travellers-resorting-bribes-exit-gaza-413702.html">Travellers resorting to bribes to exit Gaza</a> </h3> </div> </div> <div class="colgroup g1l1"> <div class="story g1 uCol"> <div class="pic pushl"> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/videos/migrant-worker-rights-under-scrutiny-in-qatar-403271.html"> <img src="/web/20110930093840im_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/incoming/article400655.ece/ALTERNATES/g1l/57238715.jpg" height="97" width="146" alt="" border="0" title=""/> </a> </div> <h3> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/videos/migrant-worker-rights-under-scrutiny-in-qatar-403271.html">Migrant worker rights under scrutiny in Qatar</a> </h3> </div> </div> </div> <div class="widget storiesDefault iam"> <h6 class="wt wts"> <span class="hedl"> <strong>Topics</strong> </span> </h6> </div> <div class="colgroup g1l1 last"> <div class="story g1 uCol"> <h4 class="li096 li-let"><a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/subjects/arab-uprisings-382291.html">Arab uprisings</a></h4> </div> </div> <div class="widget storiesDefault iam"> <h4 class="wt wtm"> <span class="hedl"> <strong>Also in Travel & Hospitality</strong> </span> </h4> <div class="colgroup g1l1"> <div class="story g1 uCol"> <h3 class="li096 li-let"> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/uae-travellers-say-keen-visit-india-uk-singapore-422933.html">UAE travellers say keen to visit India, UK, Singapore</a> </h3> </div> </div> <div class="colgroup g1l1"> <div class="story g1 uCol"> <h3 class="i381 li-let"> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/videos/-bubble-pod-hotel-opens-its-doors-the-public-in-france--422784.html">'Bubble pod' hotel opens its doors to the public in France </a> </h3> </div> </div> </div> <div class="widget storiesDefault iam"> <h4 class="wt wtm"> <span class="hedl"> <strong>Also in UAE</strong> </span> </h4> <div class="colgroup g1l1"> <div class="story g1 uCol"> <h3 class="li096 li-let"> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/etihad-plans-paris-airport-lounge-as-french-route-grows-422929.html">Etihad plans Paris airport lounge as French route grows</a> </h3> </div> </div> <div class="colgroup g1l1"> <div class="story g1 uCol"> <h3 class="li096 li-let"> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/emaar-using-malls-raise-800m-loan-say-sources-422928.html">Emaar using malls to raise $800m loan, say sources</a> </h3> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="col g4"> <input type="hidden" value="" class="currentarea"/> <div class="comments"> <div class="commentsList"> <div class="commentsHeader"> <h5 class="stitle">Join the Discussion</h5> <p class="disc"> Disclaimer:The view expressed here by our readers are not necessarily shared by Arabian Business, its employees, sponsors or its advertisers. </p> <p class="disc"> Please post responsibly. <a class="commentRulesLink" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/terms-of-use-159142.html" target="_blank">Commenter Rules</a> </p> <div class="commentsTools"> <ul> <li class="first"> <a class="commentLink" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/arab-spring-curbs-visa-free-travel-for-citizens-415428.html;jsessionid=3DA80C5C1121DA8BDBB1C23C202A33E7?tab=Comments"> Read All 7 Comments </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="comment" id="comment-415512"> <publication:use publicationname="forum"> <blockquote class="comment-body" style="width:500px"> <div class="commnet-cite"> <cite class="author"> Posted by: <strong>Reem</strong> </cite> <span class="dateline"> Sunday, 14 August 2011 6:00 PM<dfn>[UAE]</dfn> - Qatar </span> </div> <p class="com-body"> Where are Palestinains with travel documents classified?!! Do these millions exist anywhere in the analysis/ratings? <br>These are only allowed visa-free entry to probably no more than two countries in the world!! <br>Does the international community know that the entry restrictions imposed by their Arab "brothers" way surpass those placed on them by the rest of the world, regardless of their education, social status, and occupation?!! </p> <div class="comment-rply"> <div class="commnet-cite"> <cite class="author"> Posted by: <strong>John Harte</strong> </cite> <span class="dateline"> Monday, 15 August 2011 8:52 AM<dfn>[UAE]</dfn> - Abu Dhabi </span> </div> <p class="com-body"> A Palestinian colleague was granted a visa to the UK for an academic conference but was refused a visa to this part of the world.....so much for brotherly relations. </p> </div> </blockquote> </publication:use> <div class="comment-actions"> <p><a class="reply-but" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/arab-spring-curbs-visa-free-travel-for-citizens-415428.html?parentID=415512#commentsForm">Reply to this comment.</a></p> </div> </div> <div class="comment" id="comment-415453"> <publication:use publicationname="forum"> <blockquote class="comment-body" style="width:500px"> <div class="commnet-cite"> <cite class="author"> Posted by: <strong>Tariq</strong> </cite> <span class="dateline"> Sunday, 14 August 2011 11:36 AM<dfn>[UAE]</dfn> - Kuwait </span> </div> <p class="com-body"> Afghanistan is not an Arab country! </p> <div class="comment-rply"> <div class="commnet-cite"> <cite class="author"> Posted by: <strong>Joseph</strong> </cite> <span class="dateline"> Monday, 15 August 2011 1:38 PM<dfn>[UAE]</dfn> - Iraq </span> </div> <p class="com-body"> I am afraid Sultan may be correct, and also agree with Yaser's observation. </p> <div class="commnet-cite"> <cite class="author"> Posted by: <strong>Sultan</strong> </cite> <span class="dateline"> Monday, 15 August 2011 8:53 AM<dfn>[UAE]</dfn> - Saudi Arabia </span> </div> <p class="com-body"> i'm sure they meant MUSLIM countries and people but they won't use that kind of classification because it will provoke prejudice on the side of the institutes that decide our travel "freedoms" </p> <div class="commnet-cite"> <cite class="author"> Posted by: <strong>Yaser</strong> </cite> <span class="dateline"> Sunday, 14 August 2011 2:37 PM<dfn>[UAE]</dfn> - UAE </span> </div> <p class="com-body"> It happens frequently; where basic knowledge is lacking. At least some one in Arabian Business should know which is an Arab country and which is not. </p> <div class="commnet-cite"> <cite class="author"> Posted by: <strong>Jad Aoun</strong> </cite> <span class="dateline"> Sunday, 14 August 2011 2:08 PM<dfn>[UAE]</dfn> - United Arab Emirates </span> </div> <p class="com-body"> ^^^^ Afghanistan is not an Arab country! ^^^^ </p> </div> </blockquote> </publication:use> <div class="comment-actions"> <p><a class="reply-but" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/arab-spring-curbs-visa-free-travel-for-citizens-415428.html?parentID=415453#commentsForm">Reply to this comment.</a></p> </div> </div> <div class="commentsHeader"> <div class="commentsTools"> <ul> <li class="first"> <a class="commentLink" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/arab-spring-curbs-visa-free-travel-for-citizens-415428.html;jsessionid=3DA80C5C1121DA8BDBB1C23C202A33E7?tab=Comments"> Read All 7 Comments </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div id="commentsForm" style="clear:both; width:500px;"> <a id="001" name="001"></a> <form action="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/comment" method="post" onsubmit="return validateCommentForm(this);" accept="UTF-8"> <input type="hidden" name="articleID" value="415428"/> <input type="hidden" name="commentSectionID" value="414"/> <input type="hidden" name="title" value="Arab Spring curbs visa-free travel for citizens"/> <input type="hidden" name="parentID" id="commentParrentId" value="0"/> <div class="comment-form"> <p class="comment"> <span style="display:block;height:20px;clear:both;margin-top:1px;" id="labelers"> <label for="comment-form-body"> Add your comment <dfn id="comment-form-body-length" class="status-right limiter"> (<span>1000 </span> characters left) </dfn> </label> </span> <span class="field" id="textboxy"> <textarea name="body" id="comment-form-body"> </textarea> <script type="text/javascript"> $("#comment-form-body").charCounter(1000, { container : "#comment-form-body-length span", format : "%1", pulse : false, delay : 50 }); </script> </span> </p> <p class="byline"> <label for="comment-form-byline">Your name:</label> <span class="field"> <input name="field(byline)" value="" id="comment-form-byline" class="text-field" maxlength="100"/> </span> </p> <p class="email"> <label for="comment-form-email" style="vertical-align:bottom;">Email address:<span style="font-size:10px;clear:both;display:block; color:#888;">(will <span style="text-decoration:underline; font-weight:bold;">not</span> be published)</span></label> <span class="field"> <input name="email" id="email" value="" class="text-field" maxlength="50"/> </span> </p> <p class="country"> <label for="comment-form-country">Country:</label> <span class="field"> <input name="field(country)" value="" id="comment-form-country" class="text-country" maxlength="50"/> </span> </p> <div id="recaptcha_widget"> <div class="captcha"> <img src="/web/20110930093840im_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/itpCaptcha.jpg?1317375519277" id="kaptchaImage"/> <a name="newimage" id="getnewcapt" style="height:50px;display:block;padding-top:10px;cursor:pointer;cursor:hand;">Can't read the image? <span style="display:block;">Click it to get a new one.</span></a> <label for="captcha" style="margin-bottom:5px;">Enter the characters above</label> </div> <p><label></label> <span class="field"><input autocomplete="off" name="captcha" id="captcha" valtype="valText" valrequired="1" type="text" class="unhidden"/></span> </p> <script type="text/javascript"> (function(){ $('#getnewcapt, #kaptchaImage').click(function(){ var rN = Math.floor(Math.random()*100000); $("#kaptchaImage").attr("src","/itpCaptcha.jpg?"+rN); }); })(); </script> </div> <div class="comment-form-bottom" style="height: auto; padding-left: 136px;"> <p class="terms-msg" style="width: 270px; color:#777; height: auto; line-height: 14px; font-size:10px;"><span style="display: block; line-height:14px;">All comments are subject to approval before appearing</span><a class="terms" target="_blank" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/terms-of-use-159142.html">Terms and conditions</a></p> <p class="submit-button" style="width:65px;"> <button type="submit" value="Submit" class="gbutton"> <span>Submit</span> </button> </p> </div> </div> </form> </div> <style type="text/css"> .comment-form {height:580px;} .comment-form p {margin-bottom:18px!important;} .commentOpener,.formCloser {cursor:pointer;cursor:hand;font-size:18px;color:#369} .commentOpener:hover,.formCloser:hover {color:#246} div.comment-form p.comment label{float:left;} .formCloser {font-size:14px;float:right;} span.field{clear:both;} #recaptcha_widget div.captcha{height:87px;} .comment-form label {line-height:1.2em;} </style> <script type="text/javascript"> (function(){ var label_original = $('div.comment-form p.comment').find('label'), label_new = $('<label class="commentOpener" for="comment-form-body">Click here to add your comment</label>'), closer_button = $('<span style="display:none" id="commentCancel" class="formCloser">Cancel</span>'), init_h_form = 580, init_h_textarea = 240, exp_h_form = 32, exp_h_textarea = 21; // new label's event label_new.click(function(){ label_new.fadeOut('fast'); $('div.comment-form p.comment').animate({height:init_h_textarea},500,'outBack',function(){ $('#textboxy').show(); $('#textboxy').find('textarea').focus(); label_original.fadeIn('fast'); closer_button.fadeIn('fast'); setTimeout(function(){$('div.comment-form').css({'overflow':'visible'})},1); }); $('div.comment-form').animate({height:init_h_form},500,'outBack',function(){ $(this).find('button').css('display',''); }); }); closer_button.click(function(){ closer_button.fadeOut('fast'); label_original.fadeOut('fast'); $('#textboxy').hide(); $('div.comment-form p.comment').animate({height:exp_h_textarea},500,'outCubic'); $('div.comment-form').animate({height:exp_h_form},500,'outCubic',function(){ $('div.comment-form').css({'overflow':'hidden','height':exp_h_form}); label_new.fadeIn('fast'); }).find('button').css('display','none'); if($(this).parents('.comment').length > 0){ $(this).fadeOut('fast',function(){ $('#commentsForm').appendTo('.commentsList').fadeIn('fast',function(){ $('#commentParrentId').val(0); }); }); } }); label_original.css('display','none'); label_new.insertAfter(label_original); closer_button.insertAfter(label_original); $('div.comment-form').css({'overflow':'hidden','height':exp_h_form}).find('button').css('display','none'); $('div.comment-form p.comment').css({'height':exp_h_textarea,'overflow':'hidden'}); if(ITP.commentFormText){ label_new.trigger('click'); } })(); </script> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> (function(){ $('.reply-but').click(function(click){ click.preventDefault(); var thatComment = $(this).parents('div.comment'); var thatCommentID = thatComment.attr('id').replace(/comment-/,''); $('#commentsForm .comment-form').slideUp(function(){ $('#commentsForm').appendTo(thatComment); $(this).slideDown(function(){ $('#commentsForm').find('.commentOpener').trigger('click'); $('#commentParrentId').val(thatCommentID); }); }); }); })(); </script> </div> <div class="col g4"> <input type="hidden" value="" class="currentarea"/> <script type="text/javascript"> function setEmailAlerts(login, valueType, value){ if(login == 1){ dateTimestamp = new Date().getTime(); var url = "https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://v4.test.arabianbusiness.com/index2.php?option=com_alerts&task=insertalerts&new=1&loged=1&u=&uir="+dateTimestamp; }else{ var url = "/register/mini-login/?service=popup&type=emailAlert"; } url += "&"+valueType+"="+value; window.open(url,'window','toolbar=no,location=no,status=no,menubar=no,scrollbars=yes,resizable=no,channelmode=no,directories=no,width=690,height=350,top=100,left=200'); } </script> <div> <div> <h4 class="wt wtm"> <span class="hed1"> <strong>Further reading </strong> </span> </h4> </div> </div> <div class="emailalerts"> <div class="li096 i-lec item serif"> <label> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/subjects/arab-uprisings-382291.html">Arab uprisings</a> </label> </div> <div class="li096 i-lec item serif"> <label> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/listing/?sectionId=157">Politics & Economics</a> </label> <span class="i087 i-lec"> <a href="javascript:setEmailAlerts(0,'selectedind','157')">Get E-Mail Alerts</a> </span> </div> <div class="li096 i-lec item serif"> <label> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/listing/?sectionId=26">Travel & Hospitality</a> </label> <span class="i087 i-lec"> <a href="javascript:setEmailAlerts(0,'selectedind','26')">Get E-Mail Alerts</a> </span> </div> </div> </div> <div class="col g4"> <input type="hidden" value="" class="currentarea"/> </div> </div> </div> <div class="split x2"> <div class="colgroup"> <div class="col g2"> <input type="hidden" value="" class="currentarea"/> <style type="text/css"> #custom-sponsor {margin:0; padding:0; position:relative;} #custom-sponsor .advert{border:0; padding:0;} #custom-sponsor img {margin-bottom:9px;} #custom-sponsor img.empty-gif {margin-bottom:0;} </style> <div class="widget ad" id="custom-sponsor" style="text-align:center;"> <div class="advert">  <div id="id53056" class="adcustomsponsor" style="display:-moz-inline-box; display:-webkit-inline-box; display:inline-block; margin:0; width:auto; height:auto; overflow:visible;">  <script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">if(typeof(DFP_ord) == "undefined"){var DFP_ord = 1317375519;} if(typeof(DFP_host) == "undefined"){var DFP_host = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://" : "http://");} if(typeof(DFP_adid) == "undefined"){var DFP_adid = "";} if(typeof(DFP_tile) == "undefined"){var DFP_tile = 1;} else {DFP_tile++;} document.write('<scr'+'ipt language="JavaScript" src="' + DFP_host + 'ad.doubleclick.net/adj/ab_en/industries/travel-hospitality/;artid=415428;sect=industries_travel_hospitality;sz=300x100;tile=' + DFP_tile + ';pos=customsponsor;comp=' + DFP_adid + ';ord='+DFP_ord+'?" type="text/javascript"></scr'+'ipt>');</script> <noscript> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/ab_en/industries/travel-hospitality/;artid=415428;sect=industries_travel_hospitality;sz=300x100;tile=8;pos=customsponsor;comp=;ord=1317375519" target="_blank"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840im_/http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/ab_en/industries/travel-hospitality/;artid=415428;sect=industries_travel_hospitality;sz=300x100;tile=8;pos=customsponsor;comp=;ord=1317375519" width="300" height="100" border="0" alt=""></a> </noscript> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="colgroup"> <div class="col g2"> <input type="hidden" value="" class="currentarea"/> <div class="widget ad" style="text-align:center;"> <div class="advert">  <div id="id22348" class="adwhitespace" style="display:-moz-inline-box; display:-webkit-inline-box; display:inline-block; margin:0; width:auto; height:auto; overflow:visible;">  <script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">if(typeof(DFP_ord) == "undefined"){var DFP_ord = 1317375519;} if(typeof(DFP_host) == "undefined"){var DFP_host = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://" : "http://");} if(typeof(DFP_adid) == "undefined"){var DFP_adid = "";} if(typeof(DFP_tile) == "undefined"){var DFP_tile = 1;} else {DFP_tile++;} document.write('<scr'+'ipt language="JavaScript" src="' + DFP_host + 'ad.doubleclick.net/adj/ab_en/industries/travel-hospitality/;artid=415428;sect=industries_travel_hospitality;sz=220x550;tile=' + DFP_tile + ';pos=whitespace;comp=' + DFP_adid + ';ord='+DFP_ord+'?" type="text/javascript"></scr'+'ipt>');</script> <noscript> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/ab_en/industries/travel-hospitality/;artid=415428;sect=industries_travel_hospitality;sz=220x550;tile=9;pos=whitespace;comp=;ord=1317375519" target="_blank"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840im_/http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/ab_en/industries/travel-hospitality/;artid=415428;sect=industries_travel_hospitality;sz=220x550;tile=9;pos=whitespace;comp=;ord=1317375519" width="220" height="550" border="0" alt=""></a> </noscript> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="colgroup"> <div class="col g2"> <input type="hidden" value="" class="currentarea"/> <div class="widget storiesDefault firstrow b9"> <h5 class="wt wtc"> <span class="hedl"> <strong>Features & Analysis</strong> </span> </h5> <div class="colgroup g2l1"> <div class="story g2 uCol"> <div class="pic pushl" id="picId89001"> <img src="/web/20110930093840im_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/incoming/article419538.ece/ALTERNATES/gsl/world-trade-centre2.jpg" alt="" width="70" height="46" onclick="location.href='/a-state-of-shock-419548.html'"/> </div> <h2> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/a-state-of-shock-419548.html">A state of shock</a> </h2> <p class="sum"> The tourism industry was one of the worst hit by the events of... </p> <a class="uco" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/a-state-of-shock-419548.html#commentsList"> <span>1</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class="colgroup g2l1"> <div class="story g2 uCol"> <div class="pic pushl" id="picId74817"> <img src="/web/20110930093840im_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/incoming/article419029.ece/ALTERNATES/gsl/108873623.jpg" alt="The Kurdish region has seen a flurry of hotel and tourism investment that was little affected by the Iraq war" width="70" height="46" onclick="location.href='/iraq-finds-spot-on-tourism-map-419031.html'"/> </div> <h2> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/iraq-finds-spot-on-tourism-map-419031.html">Iraq finds spot on tourism map</a> </h2> <p class="sum"> Iraqi tourists flock to Kurdish region for the sun, shops and... </p> </div> </div> <div class="colgroup g2l1"> <div class="story g2 uCol"> <div class="pic pushl" id="picId33115"> <img src="/web/20110930093840im_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/incoming/article417180.ece/ALTERNATES/gsl/106923894.jpg" alt="More than 13 million religious tourists are expected to visit Saudi each year by 2019" width="70" height="46" onclick="location.href='/cities-of-gold--417113.html'"/> </div> <h2> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/cities-of-gold--417113.html">Cities of gold </a> </h2> <p class="sum"> A growing stream of tourists make Saudi's holy cities a lucrative... </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="colgroup compact-tabs"> <h5 class="wt wtc cgwt"> <span class="headl"> <strong> Most Popular </strong> </span> </h5> <div class="col g2"> <input type="hidden" value="" class="currentarea"/> <div class="tabbing-group" id="uid69694"> <ul class="small_tabs"> <li class="ui-tabs-selected first"> <a href="#tabbingGroupContent-304105-182973-342433-349603-27663-1"> <span> Read </span> </a> </li> <li> <a href="#tabbingGroupContent-304105-182973-342433-349603-27663-2"> <span> Photos </span> </a> </li> <li> <a href="#tabbingGroupContent-304105-182973-342433-349603-27663-3"> <span> Videos </span> </a> </li> <li> <a href="#tabbingGroupContent-304105-182973-342433-349603-27663-4"> <span> Email </span> </a> </li> <li> <a href="#tabbingGroupContent-304105-182973-342433-349603-27663-5"> <span> Commented </span> </a> </li> </ul> <div class="tabbingGroup"> <div id="tabbingGroupContent-304105-182973-342433-349603-27663-1" class="ui-tabs-panel"> <div class="popularList tabbedView"> <div class="content"> <ul> <li> <span>1.</span> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/saudi-king-overturns-flogging-of-female-driver-422767.html">Saudi king overturns flogging of female driver</a> </li> <li> <span>2.</span> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/us-warns-expats-of-kidnap-threat-in-saudi-422851.html">US warns expats of kidnap threat in Saudi</a> </li> <li> <span>3.</span> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/jbr-tenants-will-pay-for-beach-club-says-developer-422706.html">JBR tenants will pay for beach club, says developer</a> </li> <li> <span>4.</span> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/dubai-mother-commits-suicide-after-son-falls-his-death-422538.html">Dubai mother commits suicide after son falls to his death</a> </li> <li> <span>5.</span> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/saudi-king-gives-women-vote-for-first-time-422047.html">Saudi king gives women the vote for the first time</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div id="tabbingGroupContent-304105-182973-342433-349603-27663-2" class="ui-tabs-panel ui-tabs-hide"> <div class="popularList tabbedView"> <div class="content"> <ul> <li> <span>1.</span> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/photos/exclusive--people-s-prince-princess-359297.html">Exclusive: the people's prince and princess</a> </li> <li> <span>2.</span> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/photos/revealed--30-richest-indians-in-gcc-421371.html">Revealed: the 30 richest Indians in the GCC</a> </li> <li> <span>3.</span> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/photos/exclusive-pictures-of-hh-princess-ameerah-al-taweel-358753.html">Exclusive pictures of HH Princess Ameerah Al Taweel</a> </li> <li> <span>4.</span> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/photos/gulf-s-most-powerful-indians-363493.html">Gulf's most powerful Indians</a> </li> <li> <span>5.</span> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/photos/amazon-unveils-199-kindle-fire-tablet-take-on-apple-s-ipad--422743.html">Amazon unveils $199 Kindle Fire tablet to take on Apple's iPad</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div id="tabbingGroupContent-304105-182973-342433-349603-27663-3" class="ui-tabs-panel ui-tabs-hide"> <div class="popularList tabbedView"> <div class="content"> <ul> <li> <span>1.</span> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/videos/-bubble-pod-hotel-opens-its-doors-the-public-in-france--422784.html">'Bubble pod' hotel opens its doors to the public in France</a> </li> <li> <span>2.</span> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/videos/michael-jackson-was-like-lost-boy-before-unexpected-death--422800.html">Michael Jackson was 'like a lost boy' before unexpected death</a> </li> <li> <span>3.</span> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/videos/muammar-gaddafi-reported-hiding-out-near-algerian-border--422781.html">Muammar Gaddafi reported to hiding out near Algerian border</a> </li> <li> <span>4.</span> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/videos/india-floods-leave-nearly-two-million-homeless-destroy-crops-422603.html">India floods leave nearly two million homeless, destroy crops</a> </li> <li> <span>5.</span> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/videos/pressure-mounts-as-palestinian-statehood-bid-goes-before-un-panel--422789.html">Pressure mounts as Palestinian statehood bid goes before UN panel</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div id="tabbingGroupContent-304105-182973-342433-349603-27663-4" class="ui-tabs-panel ui-tabs-hide"> <div class="popularList tabbedView"> <div class="content"> <ul> <li> <span>1.</span> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/us-warns-expats-of-kidnap-threat-in-saudi-422851.html">US warns expats of kidnap threat in Saudi</a> </li> <li> <span>2.</span> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/alshaya-stores-scrap-cash-refunds-buyers-422577.html">Alshaya stores scrap cash refunds to buyers</a> </li> <li> <span>3.</span> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/global-debt-woes-curb-dubai-property-recovery-422709.html">Global debt woes to curb Dubai property recovery</a> </li> <li> <span>4.</span> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/jbr-tenants-will-pay-for-beach-club-says-developer-422706.html">JBR tenants will pay for beach club, says developer</a> </li> <li> <span>5.</span> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/princess-haya-steer-revamp-of-dubai-healthcare-city-422610.html">Princess Haya to steer revamp of Dubai Healthcare City</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div id="tabbingGroupContent-304105-182973-342433-349603-27663-5" class="ui-tabs-panel ui-tabs-hide"> <div class="popularList tabbedView"> <div> <ul> <li> <span>1.</span> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/uae-mulls-wage-subsidies-bolster-emirati-jobs-422274.html">UAE mulls wage subsidies to bolster Emirati jobs</a> </li> <li> <span>2.</span> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/emirates-eyes-new-orders-at-dubai-airshow-422469.html">Emirates eyes new orders at Dubai Airshow</a> </li> <li> <span>3.</span> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/dubai-house-prices-close-bottom-says-jll-422249.html">Dubai house prices close to bottom, says JLL</a> </li> <li> <span>4.</span> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/jbr-tenants-will-pay-for-beach-club-says-developer-422706.html">JBR tenants will pay for beach club, says developer</a> </li> <li> <span>5.</span> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/alshaya-stores-scrap-cash-refunds-buyers-422577.html">Alshaya stores scrap cash refunds to buyers</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> $('#uid69694').tabs({fx:{opacity:'toggle',duration:165}}); </script> </div> </div> <div class="colgroup"> <div class="col g2"> <input type="hidden" value="" class="currentarea"/> <div class="widget ad" style="text-align:center;"> <div class="advert">  <div id="id14896" class="admpu" style="display:-moz-inline-box; display:-webkit-inline-box; display:inline-block; margin:0; width:auto; height:auto; overflow:visible;">  <script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">if(typeof(DFP_ord) == "undefined"){var DFP_ord = 1317375519;} if(typeof(DFP_host) == "undefined"){var DFP_host = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://" : "http://");} if(typeof(DFP_adid) == "undefined"){var DFP_adid = "";} if(typeof(DFP_tile) == "undefined"){var DFP_tile = 1;} else {DFP_tile++;} document.write('<scr'+'ipt language="JavaScript" src="' + DFP_host + 'ad.doubleclick.net/adj/ab_en/industries/travel-hospitality/;artid=415428;sect=industries_travel_hospitality;sz=300x251;tile=' + DFP_tile + ';pos=mpu;comp=' + DFP_adid + ';ord='+DFP_ord+'?" type="text/javascript"></scr'+'ipt>');</script> <noscript> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/ab_en/industries/travel-hospitality/;artid=415428;sect=industries_travel_hospitality;sz=300x251;tile=10;pos=mpu;comp=;ord=1317375519" target="_blank"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840im_/http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/ab_en/industries/travel-hospitality/;artid=415428;sect=industries_travel_hospitality;sz=300x251;tile=10;pos=mpu;comp=;ord=1317375519" width="300" height="251" border="0" alt=""></a> </noscript> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="colgroup"> <div class="col g2"> <input type="hidden" value="" class="currentarea"/> </div> </div> <div class="colgroup"> <div class="col g2"> <input type="hidden" value="" class="currentarea"/> </div> </div> <div class="colgroup"> <h5 class="wt wtc cgwt"> <span class="headl"> <strong> Most Discussed </strong> </span> </h5> <div class="col g2"> <input type="hidden" value="" class="currentarea"/> <div class="tabbing-group" id="uid35631"> <ul class="small_tabs"> <li class="ui-tabs-selected first"> <a href="#tabbingGroupContent-273930-86262-86260-1"> <span> 24 hrs </span> </a> </li> <li> <a href="#tabbingGroupContent-273930-86262-86260-2"> <span> 7 days </span> </a> </li> <li> <a href="#tabbingGroupContent-273930-86262-86260-3"> <span> 4 weeks </span> </a> </li> </ul> <div class="tabbingGroup"> <div id="tabbingGroupContent-273930-86262-86260-1" class="ui-tabs-panel"> <div class="popularList tabbedView"> <div class="content"> <ul class="comments"> <li> <span class="commentbubble plural ">37</span> <h5><a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/uae-mulls-wage-subsidies-bolster-emirati-jobs-422274.html;jsessionid=3DA80C5C1121DA8BDBB1C23C202A33E7?tab=Comments">UAE mulls wage subsidies to bolster Emirati jobs</a></h5> <p class="commentbody"> Some people are claiming westerners are hired because they have a "track record", that is not true but not always. <br>There are people without any education... <a class="more" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/uae-mulls-wage-subsidies-bolster-emirati-jobs-422274.html;jsessionid=3DA80C5C1121DA8BDBB1C23C202A33E7?tab=Comments">more</a> </p> <span class="info"> Thursday, 29 September 2011 2:36 PM - Ali </span> </li> <li> <span class="commentbubble plural ">11</span> <h5><a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/emirates-eyes-new-orders-at-dubai-airshow-422469.html;jsessionid=3DA80C5C1121DA8BDBB1C23C202A33E7?tab=Comments">Emirates eyes new orders at Dubai Airshow</a></h5> <p class="commentbody"> You will see Emirates flying to the USA more. That is where alot of the undelivered A380s are going. They have very few flights right now and are looking... <a class="more" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/emirates-eyes-new-orders-at-dubai-airshow-422469.html;jsessionid=3DA80C5C1121DA8BDBB1C23C202A33E7?tab=Comments">more</a> </p> <span class="info"> Thursday, 29 September 2011 5:59 PM - Radar </span> </li> <li> <span class="commentbubble plural ">10</span> <h5><a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/dubai-house-prices-close-bottom-says-jll-422249.html;jsessionid=3DA80C5C1121DA8BDBB1C23C202A33E7?tab=Comments">Dubai house prices close to bottom, says JLL</a></h5> <p class="commentbody"> This is not a factual view, a few upscale villas does not make a market, the global financial scenario is waiting to bite. <br> <br>Developers are just... <a class="more" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/dubai-house-prices-close-bottom-says-jll-422249.html;jsessionid=3DA80C5C1121DA8BDBB1C23C202A33E7?tab=Comments">more</a> </p> <span class="info"> Friday, 30 September 2011 10:00 AM - Red Snappa </span> </li> <li> <span class="commentbubble plural ">9</span> <h5><a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/jbr-tenants-will-pay-for-beach-club-says-developer-422706.html;jsessionid=3DA80C5C1121DA8BDBB1C23C202A33E7?tab=Comments">JBR tenants will pay for beach club, says developer</a></h5> <p class="commentbody"> Save your money people don't be fooled any further by fancy advertising and brochures not worth the paper their printed on. <a class="more" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/jbr-tenants-will-pay-for-beach-club-says-developer-422706.html;jsessionid=3DA80C5C1121DA8BDBB1C23C202A33E7?tab=Comments">more</a> </p> <span class="info"> Friday, 30 September 2011 11:51 AM - Bu Hani </span> </li> <li> <span class="commentbubble plural ">9</span> <h5><a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/alshaya-stores-scrap-cash-refunds-buyers-422577.html;jsessionid=3DA80C5C1121DA8BDBB1C23C202A33E7?tab=Comments">Alshaya stores scrap cash refunds to buyers</a></h5> <p class="commentbody"> dont buy.......dont patronise their other outlets and other product too.........let's do our bit......the rest will follow....correction begins with our... <a class="more" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/alshaya-stores-scrap-cash-refunds-buyers-422577.html;jsessionid=3DA80C5C1121DA8BDBB1C23C202A33E7?tab=Comments">more</a> </p> <span class="info"> Friday, 30 September 2011 10:02 AM - mihikka </span> </li> </ul> <div class="readmore"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/opinion/reader-comments/">Read all user comments <span>»</span></a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="tabbingGroupContent-273930-86262-86260-2" class="ui-tabs-panel ui-tabs-hide"> <div class="popularList tabbedView"> <div class="content"> <ul class="comments"> <li> <span class="commentbubble plural ">37</span> <h5><a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/uae-mulls-wage-subsidies-bolster-emirati-jobs-422274.html;jsessionid=3DA80C5C1121DA8BDBB1C23C202A33E7?tab=Comments">UAE mulls wage subsidies to bolster Emirati jobs</a></h5> <p class="commentbody"> Some people are claiming westerners are hired because they have a "track record", that is not true but not always. <br>There are people without any education... <a class="more" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/uae-mulls-wage-subsidies-bolster-emirati-jobs-422274.html;jsessionid=3DA80C5C1121DA8BDBB1C23C202A33E7?tab=Comments">more</a> </p> <span class="info"> Thursday, 29 September 2011 2:36 PM - Ali </span> </li> <li> <span class="commentbubble plural ">31</span> <h5><a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/qatar-now-world-s-richest-nation-says-imf-421787.html;jsessionid=3DA80C5C1121DA8BDBB1C23C202A33E7?tab=Comments">Qatar now world's richest nation, says IMF</a></h5> <p class="commentbody"> A top schoolboy athlete will not perform as well as the 25 year old athlete. But one day, with the right coaching & years of hard work, he could do so... <a class="more" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/qatar-now-world-s-richest-nation-says-imf-421787.html;jsessionid=3DA80C5C1121DA8BDBB1C23C202A33E7?tab=Comments">more</a> </p> <span class="info"> Tuesday, 27 September 2011 5:18 PM - Rob </span> </li> <li> <span class="commentbubble plural ">26</span> <h5><a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/barcelona-vote-on-call-end-225m-qatar-deal-421839.html;jsessionid=3DA80C5C1121DA8BDBB1C23C202A33E7?tab=Comments">Barcelona to vote on call to end $225m Qatar deal</a></h5> <p class="commentbody"> To all those whiners here, if not for Qatar Foundation's sponsorship, Barca would have had to sell off its star player Messi to keep the club running.... <a class="more" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/barcelona-vote-on-call-end-225m-qatar-deal-421839.html;jsessionid=3DA80C5C1121DA8BDBB1C23C202A33E7?tab=Comments">more</a> </p> <span class="info"> Monday, 26 September 2011 5:34 PM - MM </span> </li> <li> <span class="commentbubble plural ">20</span> <h5><a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/blair-slams-palestine-s-un-statehood-bid-422319.html;jsessionid=3DA80C5C1121DA8BDBB1C23C202A33E7?tab=Comments">Blair slams Palestine’s UN statehood bid</a></h5> <p class="commentbody"> There seems to be lot of emotion on the page, which serves no purpose. There has never been a country called Palestine and Zionism will make sure that... <a class="more" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/blair-slams-palestine-s-un-statehood-bid-422319.html;jsessionid=3DA80C5C1121DA8BDBB1C23C202A33E7?tab=Comments">more</a> </p> <span class="info"> Thursday, 29 September 2011 7:38 PM - Mike Jones </span> </li> <li> <span class="commentbubble plural ">11</span> <h5><a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/emirates-eyes-new-orders-at-dubai-airshow-422469.html;jsessionid=3DA80C5C1121DA8BDBB1C23C202A33E7?tab=Comments">Emirates eyes new orders at Dubai Airshow</a></h5> <p class="commentbody"> You will see Emirates flying to the USA more. That is where alot of the undelivered A380s are going. They have very few flights right now and are looking... <a class="more" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/emirates-eyes-new-orders-at-dubai-airshow-422469.html;jsessionid=3DA80C5C1121DA8BDBB1C23C202A33E7?tab=Comments">more</a> </p> <span class="info"> Thursday, 29 September 2011 5:59 PM - Radar </span> </li> </ul> <div class="readmore"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/opinion/reader-comments/">Read all user comments <span>»</span></a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="tabbingGroupContent-273930-86262-86260-3" class="ui-tabs-panel ui-tabs-hide"> <div class="popularList tabbedView"> <div class="content"> <ul class="comments"> <li> <span class="commentbubble plural ">53</span> <h5><a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/after-burqa-france-bans-street-prayers--420774.html;jsessionid=3DA80C5C1121DA8BDBB1C23C202A33E7?tab=Comments">After burqa, France bans street prayers </a></h5> <p class="commentbody"> Most of those who comment this article here judge without knowing France and the Muslim community in this country. I was born in France and I live in Paris... <a class="more" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/after-burqa-france-bans-street-prayers--420774.html;jsessionid=3DA80C5C1121DA8BDBB1C23C202A33E7?tab=Comments">more</a> </p> <span class="info"> Thursday, 22 September 2011 9:58 PM - Said </span> </li> <li> <span class="commentbubble plural ">52</span> <h5><a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/uk-doctor-fails-attend-dubai-road-rage-trial-418924.html;jsessionid=3DA80C5C1121DA8BDBB1C23C202A33E7?tab=Comments">UK doctor fails to attend Dubai road rage trial</a></h5> <p class="commentbody"> If you are a guest of the UAE for many years, you would have known by now that Dubai or the UAE will never abandon their set of highly cherished values... <a class="more" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/uk-doctor-fails-attend-dubai-road-rage-trial-418924.html;jsessionid=3DA80C5C1121DA8BDBB1C23C202A33E7?tab=Comments">more</a> </p> <span class="info"> Saturday, 17 September 2011 5:36 PM - Jassem </span> </li> <li> <span class="commentbubble plural ">37</span> <h5><a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/uae-mulls-wage-subsidies-bolster-emirati-jobs-422274.html;jsessionid=3DA80C5C1121DA8BDBB1C23C202A33E7?tab=Comments">UAE mulls wage subsidies to bolster Emirati jobs</a></h5> <p class="commentbody"> Some people are claiming westerners are hired because they have a "track record", that is not true but not always. <br>There are people without any education... <a class="more" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/uae-mulls-wage-subsidies-bolster-emirati-jobs-422274.html;jsessionid=3DA80C5C1121DA8BDBB1C23C202A33E7?tab=Comments">more</a> </p> <span class="info"> Thursday, 29 September 2011 2:36 PM - Ali </span> </li> <li> <span class="commentbubble plural ">31</span> <h5><a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/qatar-now-world-s-richest-nation-says-imf-421787.html;jsessionid=3DA80C5C1121DA8BDBB1C23C202A33E7?tab=Comments">Qatar now world's richest nation, says IMF</a></h5> <p class="commentbody"> A top schoolboy athlete will not perform as well as the 25 year old athlete. But one day, with the right coaching & years of hard work, he could do so... <a class="more" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/qatar-now-world-s-richest-nation-says-imf-421787.html;jsessionid=3DA80C5C1121DA8BDBB1C23C202A33E7?tab=Comments">more</a> </p> <span class="info"> Tuesday, 27 September 2011 5:18 PM - Rob </span> </li> <li> <span class="commentbubble plural ">30</span> <h5><a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/bank-account-holders-face-1-year-ban-for-bounced-cheques-419831.html;jsessionid=3DA80C5C1121DA8BDBB1C23C202A33E7?tab=Comments">Bank account holders face 1-year ban for bounced cheques</a></h5> <p class="commentbody"> I suggest banks where the customer issuing dud cheques account is held, should do more than just send documentation onto police station upon opening a... <a class="more" href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/bank-account-holders-face-1-year-ban-for-bounced-cheques-419831.html;jsessionid=3DA80C5C1121DA8BDBB1C23C202A33E7?tab=Comments">more</a> </p> <span class="info"> Wednesday, 14 September 2011 11:02 AM - PParker </span> </li> </ul> <div class="readmore"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/opinion/reader-comments/">Read all user comments <span>»</span></a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> $('#uid35631').tabs({fx:{opacity:'toggle',duration:165}}); </script> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="bottom"> <div class="widget ad" style="text-align:center;"> <div class="advert"> <div id="id72071" class="adeyeblaster"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> if( ITP.flashVersion >= ITP.minFlashVersion ){ ITP.insertAd({ 'DFP_site' : "ab_en", 'DFP_page' : "/industries/travel-hospitality/", 'sz' : "1x2", 'dcopt' : "ist", 'DFP_layer' : "2", 'pos' : "eyeblaster", 'DFP_cats' : "", 'DFP_type' : "", 'artid' : '415428', 'searchword' : "", 'sect' : "industries_travel_hospitality", 'keywords' : "industries_travel_hospitality", 'ord' : ITP.dcadno },$("#id72071")); } </script> </div> </div> <style> #features-view .ab-fader-control { background-position:0 0; position:absolute; top:-34px; } #features-view .ab-fader-prevcontrol { right:20px; } #features-view .ab-fader-nextcontrol { right:0; } .widget .jcarousel-container .colgroup .fCol, .widget .jcarousel-container .colgroup .lCol { margin:0 9px; } </style> <script type="text/javascript"> (function() { $('#features-view').each(function(){ $(this).find('.col:first').css({'width':$(this).width()}); var scroller2 = $('.colgroup',this); $('div', scroller2).wrap('<div>'); scroller2.jcarousel({ wrap: 'circular', buttonNextHTML: '<div class="ab-fader-nextcontrol ab-fader-control i041"><a href="#:here">Next</a></div>', buttonPrevHTML: '<div class="ab-fader-prevcontrol ab-fader-control i039"><a href="#:here">Previous</a></div>', scroll: 1 }); }); })(); </script>  <div id="footer" role="navigation"> <div class="split"> <div class="thir"> <h4 class="redhot">Visit other ITP Publishing Group sites</h4> <ul> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.ahlanlive.com/">AhlanLive.com</a></li> <li>ArabianBusiness.com (<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/">English</a> / <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/arabic">Arabic</a>)</li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/jobs/">ArabianBusiness.com/Jobs</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/property/">ArabianBusiness.com/property</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianoilandgas.com/">ArabianOilAndGas.com</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabiansupplychain.com/">ArabianSupplyChain.com</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.carmiddleeast.com/">CarMiddleEast.com</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.constructionweekonline.com/">ConstructionWeekOnline.com</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.constructionweekonline.in/">ConstructionWeekOnline.in</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.digitalproductionme.com/">DigitalProductionme.com</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.hotelierindia.com/">HotelierIndia.com</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/">HotelierMiddleeast.com</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.itp.com/">ITP.com</a></li> <li>ITP.net</a> (<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.itp.net/">English</a> / <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.itp.net/arabic">Arabic</a>)</li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.masala.com/">Masala.com</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.timeoutabudhabi.com/">TimeOutAbuDhabi.com </a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.timeoutbahrain.com/">TimeOutBahrain.com </a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.timeoutdubai.com/">TimeOutDubai.com</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.timeoutdoha.com/">TimeOutDoha.com</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.timeouttickets.com/">TimeoutTickets.com </a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.utilities-me.com/">Utilities-ME.com</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.vivamagazine.ae/">VivaMagazine.ae </a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="thir"> <h4 class="redhot">Associated Events</h4> <ul> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://microsites.itp.com/abqatarawards/">Arabian Business Awards, Qatar</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://microsites.itp.com/abkuwaitawards/">Arabian Business Awards, Kuwait</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/conference/">Arabian Business Conference</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.constructionweekonline.com/meaa/">Architect Awards</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/events/dubaiawards">Arabian Business Awards, Dubai, 2011 </a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/events/ksaawards2010">Arabian Business Awards, KSA, 2010</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/events/ceoawardsdubai/">CEO Awards</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.constructionweekonline.com/cidawards/">CID Awards </a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.constructionweekonline.com/awards">CW Awards</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.constructionweekonline.com/fmawards/">FM Awards </a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/awards">Hotelier Awards</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.constructionweekonline.com/mepawards/">MEP Awards </a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabiansupplychain.com/scata/">Supply Chain and Transport Awards</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.timeoutdubai.com/nightlife/awards">Time Out Dubai Nightlife Awards</a></li> <li>Time Out Restaurant Awards (<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.timeoutabudhabi.com/restaurantawards">Abu Dhabi</a> / <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.timeoutdubai.com/restaurantawards">Dubai</a>)</li> </ul> <h4 class="redhot">Subscriptions</h4> <ul> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.itp.com/subscriptions/?prod_sel=1&prod_id=6&refsTxt=ArabianBusiness+com+mod#magDetAnchor">Magazines</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/register/subscribe/">E-newsletters</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="thir"> <h4 class="redhot"><a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/rss">RSS Feeds</a> <span>»</span></h4> <ul class="rss"> <li><img src="/web/20110930093840im_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/skins/ab.main/gfx/rss_micro.png" alt="Webfeeds RSS" title="RSS"/> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/banking-finance/?service=rss">Banking & Finance</a></li> <li><img src="/web/20110930093840im_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/skins/ab.main/gfx/rss_micro.png" alt="Webfeeds RSS" title="RSS"/> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/construction/?service=rss">Construction</a></li> <li><img src="/web/20110930093840im_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/skins/ab.main/gfx/rss_micro.png" alt="Webfeeds RSS" title="RSS"/> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/travel-hospitality/?service=rss">Travel & Hospitality</a></li> <li><img src="/web/20110930093840im_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/skins/ab.main/gfx/rss_micro.png" alt="Webfeeds RSS" title="RSS"/> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/real-estate/?service=rss">Real Estate</a></li> <li><img src="/web/20110930093840im_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/skins/ab.main/gfx/rss_micro.png" alt="Webfeeds RSS" title="RSS"/> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/technology/?service=rss">Technology</a></li> <li><img src="/web/20110930093840im_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/skins/ab.main/gfx/rss_micro.png" alt="Webfeeds RSS" title="RSS"/> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/energy/?service=rss">Energy</a></li> <li><img src="/web/20110930093840im_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/skins/ab.main/gfx/rss_micro.png" alt="Webfeeds RSS" title="RSS"/> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/media/?service=rss">Media</a></li> <li><img src="/web/20110930093840im_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/skins/ab.main/gfx/rss_micro.png" alt="Webfeeds RSS" title="RSS"/> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/retail/?service=rss">Retail</a></li> <li><img src="/web/20110930093840im_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/skins/ab.main/gfx/rss_micro.png" alt="Webfeeds RSS" title="RSS"/> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/healthcare/?service=rss">Healthcare</a></li> <li><img src="/web/20110930093840im_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/skins/ab.main/gfx/rss_micro.png" alt="Webfeeds RSS" title="RSS"/> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/education/?service=rss">Education</a></li> <li><img src="/web/20110930093840im_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/skins/ab.main/gfx/rss_micro.png" alt="Webfeeds RSS" title="RSS"/> <a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/transport/?service=rss">Transport</a></li> </ul> <h4 class="redhot">Press Releases</h4> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/press-releases/">All Press Releases</a></li> </ul> <div class="communitylogos"> <h4 class="redhot">Join us on</h4> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.facebook.com/pages/ArabianBusiness/78801292566" target="_blank"><img src="/web/20110930093840im_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/skins/ab.main/gfx/logo_facebook.gif" alt="facebook" title="facebook"/></a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.twitter.com/arabianbusiness" target="_blank"><img src="/web/20110930093840im_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/skins/ab.main/gfx/logo_twitter.gif" alt="twitter" title="twitter"/></a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.youtube.com/ArabianBusiness" target="_blank"><img src="/web/20110930093840im_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/skins/ab.main/gfx/logo_youtube.gif" alt="YouTube" title="YouTube"/></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="bevel-sep"></div> <div class="utility-nav" role="navigation"><img src="/web/20110930093840im_/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/skins/ab.main/gfx/arabianbusiness_logo_sm.gif"/> <ul> <li class="first">  Published by & © <bean:define id="currentYear"> 2011 </bean:define> Arabian Business Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. </li> <li><a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/privacy-policy-159141.html">Privacy policy</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/terms-of-use-159142.html">Terms of use</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/contact-us-364572.html">Contact us</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.itp.com/subscriptions/" target="_blank">Subscribe</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/presentation/" target="_blank">Media kit</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/advertise-159144.html">Advertise</a></li> <li class="last"><a href="/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/press-releases/?companyId=74247">Press Releases</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> reuters_links = 'reuters:links';</script>  </div> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> $(function(j){var i=j(['?clientDT=',(new Date()).getTime()]),l=j(['&rt=','1']),h=j(['&objId=','415428']),a=j(['&type=',o('article')]),n=j(['&ctxId=','26']),_n=j(['&pubId=','1']),e=j(['&cat=',o('')]),g=j(['&meta=',o('news')]),i_=j(['&title=',o('Arab Spring curbs visa-free travel for citizens')]),s=j(['&url=',o('https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/template/framework/wireframe/default.jsp')]), src=j(['https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://mailserver2.itp.net:8095/analysis-logger/Logger',i,l,h,a,n,_n,e,g,i_,s]), m=$(j(['<img id="ecetr" style="position:absolute; top:-999; left:-999px" alt="eceTrack" src="',src,'" width="1" height="1" />']));$('#wholebody').append(m);function o(x){return $(j(['<x>',x,'</x>'])).text()};function j(x){return x.join('')}}); </script> <noscript> <img id="ecetr" alt="eceTrack" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840im_/http://mailserver2.itp.net:8095/analysis-logger/Logger?rt=1&objId=415428&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.arabianbusiness.com%2Ftemplate%2Fframework%2Fwireframe%2Fdefault.jsp&type=article&pubId=1&ctxId=26&cat=&meta=news&title=Arab+Spring+curbs+visa-free+travel+for+citizens" width="1" height="1"/> </noscript> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> $(function(){ //ITP.googleAnalytics('google-analytics.com/ga.js', '.arabianbusiness.com', 'UA-299199-6', '/industries/travel-hospitality/arab-spring-curbs-visa-free-travel-for-citizens-415428.html', '', 10); //ITP.effectiveMeasure('effectivemeasure.net/em.js'); }); (function() { var em = document.createElement('script'); em.type = 'text/javascript'; em.async = true; em.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/https://me-ssl' : 'https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://me-cdn') + '.effectivemeasure.net/em.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(em, s); })(); </script> <noscript> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20110930093840im_/http://me.effectivemeasure.net/em_image" alt=" " height="1" width="1" style="position:absolute; left:0;"/> </noscript>  <script type="text/javascript"> var pkBaseURL = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/https://mailserver2.itp.net/piwik/" : "https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840/http://mailserver2.itp.net/piwik/"); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + pkBaseURL + "piwik.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> try { var piwikTracker = Piwik.getTracker(pkBaseURL + "piwik.php", 2); piwikTracker.trackPageView(); piwikTracker.enableLinkTracking(); } catch( err ) {} </script> <noscript> <p><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20110930093840im_/http://mailserver2.itp.net/piwik/piwik.php?idsite=2" style="border:0" alt=""/></p> </noscript>  <script type="text/javascript"> $(function(){ var wURI; ITP.inhouseAd = false; if($.cookie('interShown') === null){ var regex = new RegExp("doubleclick.net|javascript:|mailto:|ftp:|#|Edition|register|login", "im"); $('a').each(function(){ wURI = $(this).attr('href'); if ( !regex.test(wURI) ) { $(this).one('click',function(clickEvent){ $.cookie('interShown',true,{inHours:1}); var nextLink = $(this).attr('href') clickEvent.preventDefault(); var randParam = Math.round(Math.random()*100000); ITP.interTemp = $('<div class="interstitial"><table width="100%" height="100%"><tr><td><div class="top-branding"><div class="logo" role="Banner"><a href="/" title="Arabian Business" rev="Homepage"><img src="/skins/ab.main/gfx/arabianbusiness_int_logo.png" alt="Arabian Business Logo"></a></div><div class="continue"><a id="nextLink" rel="next" href="#"> Click here to skip this advertisement <span id="counter"></span></a></div></div></td></tr><tr><td height="100%" align="center" valign="center"> <div id="insertBanner"></div> </td></tr><tr><td class="footer">© 2010 Arabian Business Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.</td></tr></table></div>'); if( ITP.flashVersion >= ITP.minFlashVersion ){ ITP.insertAd({ 'DFP_site' : "ab_en", 'DFP_page' : "/industries/travel-hospitality/", 'sz' : "750x750", 'dcopt' : "0", 'DFP_layer' : "", 'DFP_pos' : "inter", 'DFP_cats' : "", 'DFP_type' : "", 'artid' : "", 'searchword' : "", 'keywords' : "travel & hospitality", 'ord' : randParam },ITP.interTemp.find("#insertBanner"),function(){ if (!ITP.inhouseAd) { var timer = 30000; ITP.interTemp.find('#nextLink').attr('href',nextLink).each(function(){ setTimeout(function(){ window.location = nextLink; },timer); var backCounter = timer/1000, recount = ITP.interTemp.find('#counter'); recount.text(['(',backCounter,')'].join('')); var cb = setInterval(function(){ recount.text(['(',(backCounter-=1),')'].join('')); if (backCounter == 0){ clearInterval(cb); } },1000); }); ITPscroller.data().jcarousel.destroy(); $('#wholebody').css('background','#fff').html(ITP.interTemp); } else { window.location = nextLink; } }); } }); } }); } }); </script>   <script type="text/javascript" src="//web.archive.org/web/20110930093840js_/http://secure-uk.imrworldwide.com/v60.js"> </script> <script type="text/javascript"> var pvar = { cid: "mena-itp", content: "0", server: "secure-uk" }; var feat = { surveys_enabled: 1, sample_rate: 0.05 }; var trac = nol_t(pvar, feat); var _rsND = trac.getSchemeHost(); // For compatibility with v53 surveys var _rsCI = "mena-itp"; // For compatibility with v53 surveys trac.record().post().do_sample(); </script> <noscript> <div> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20110930093840im_/http://secure-uk.imrworldwide.com/cgi-bin/m?ci=mena-itp&cg=0&cc=1&ts=noscript" width="1" height="1" alt=""/> </div> </noscript>  </body> </html>