WAM ABU DHABI 19 February 2009 (WAM): An entry permit has been issued to permit the Israeli tennis player Andy Ram to take part in next week’s tennis tournament in Dubai, the Director of the Consular Affairs Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sultan Al Qertasi, said today in a statement issued to the Emirates News Agency, WAM.

“The relevant Government department has issued a special entry permit to allow the tennis player Mr. Andy Ram to enter the country to take part in next week’s international tennis tournament being held in Dubai,” the statement said.

“The decision to issue the permit is in line with the UAE’s commitment to a policy of permitting any individual to take part in international sports, cultural and economic events or activities being held in the country, without any limitation being placed on participation by citizens of any member country of the United Nations,” Al Qertasi said.

“This is a well-established policy and has no political implications. Nor does this decision indicate any form of normalisation of relations with countries with whom the United Arab Emirates does not have diplomatic relations,” the statement concluded.