Emiratis stuck on UAE-Saudi border after new travel rule

Dubai: A group of Emiratis are stuck on the UAE-Saudi Arabia border following Saudi Arabia's decision to suspend the use of ID cards as a travel document for Emiratis and Saudis who are visiting the two countries, the Arabic daily Al Emarat Al Youm reported.

The daily said that several Emiratis who entered Saudi Arabia with their ID cards were not allowed to leave Riyadh unless they obtained special papers.

UAE authorities are arranging temporary special permits for the Emiratis to facilitate their return home.

The UAE Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Al Asri Saeed Al Dhaheri has expressed surprise at the Saudi decision, Al Emarat Al Youm reported.

The Saudi Press Agency had reported that the Saudi decision was based on the kingdom's objection to the use of the UAE ID card as non-compliant with the 1974 border treaty.

Al Dhaheri, however, said that the Saudis were fully aware of the ID card well before it had been approved and there were no initial objections from the Saudis.

The UAE Foreign Ministry has asked UAE nationals who intend to visit Saudi Arabia to carry their passports as the use of ID cards was no longer valid.