The government on Thursday, January 19 approved the signing of a referendum on abolishing visa requirements between Armenia and the United Arab Emirates.

According to a government statement, the draft decision is in full compliance with the Armenian legislation.

The government last week backed a presidential decree on establishing a Consulate General in Dubai, UAE.

The number of Armenian nationals in the Emirates and Dubai, in particular, varies anywhere between 2500-3000. Four to five regular flights are carried out every week, with Armenians using the city as a transit point too. Around 70 consulates currently operate in Dubai.

The government explained the decision by geographical proximity of Armenia to the UAE, as well as the interest shown by Emirati business circles towards Armenia.