Shaikh Khalifa has 'won our hearts' by revoking UAE border restriction

Al Ain: Asian and European expatriates have expressed their gratitude to President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for revoking border restrictions between Al Ain and Al Buraimi on humanitarian grounds.

The measure has eased the lives of thousands of expatriates who were covering more than 30km a day to reach their homes in Al Buraimi in neighbouring Oman. The town used to be just a few minutes' drive away.

People were horrified by the arduous journey on the Khatam Al Shukla (KAS) Road and later the Omani road to reach Al Buraimi. Both roads have no petrol stations, stores or rest areas.

Restrictions on the Al Ain-Al Buraimi border meant a change of entry and exit points for Emiratis, GCC nationals, and UAE expatriates.

The Al Mudeef border point was closed on July 15 and Emiratis and GCC nationals were asked to use the Hili point. All other expatriates were asked to use the KAS point, some 15km away from the town centre.

Nightmare

"We are thankful to Shaikh Khalifa for withdrawing the restrictions and saving us the nightmare we suffered the last few days," said Vanita Yeshraj, a UAE expatriate living in Buraimi.

She said driving on the KAS Road was costly in terms of time and fuel.

"I was in a complete state of helplessness and I did not know what to do," she said, praising the President for his prompt action.

Irtaza Ali, another Asian expatriate, said his life had been on hold. He said Shaikh Khalifa had won the hearts of thousands of people who had started to feel that nobody cared for them in the UAE.

"Facilitation from the UAE authorities will help us to put more effort in the development of the emirates."

Kabeer Khan, another UAE expatriate, said he was dejected soon after the new restrictions and was planning to leave the UAE for good.

"I could not afford a decent living in Al Ain on my salary. My only option was to live in Al Buraimi which was snatched by the authorities," he said.

Khan said Shaikh Khalifa's action had saved many people from difficulties arising from the border restrictions.

"We have tremendous regard for the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan for his love for humanity. Now Shaikh Khalifa has won our hearts by revoking the restriction on humanitarian grounds," he said.