Dh1.1m fine imposed for refusing Israeli visa

Dubai: The director of the Dubai Tennis Championships says it will pay a record $300,000 (Dh1.1 million) fine for the UAE's refusal to grant a visa to Israeli player Shahar Peer.

Salah Tahlak says the tournament chiefs agreed yesterday to pay the penalties imposed by the Women's Tennis Association Tour Board, which rejected Dubai's appeal last week.

The UAE turned down Peer's visa request just before her planned arrival for the tournament in February.

The tour also demands that Dubai organisers confirm that qualifying Israeli players will get visas at least eight weeks in advance for the 2010 event.

Tahlak says he hopes all players can take part, but notes that organisers do not have full control over government issues.