Salaam - How the UAE–Vietnam trade pact could boost travel between our countries
Assalamu alaikum - With the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cepa) now in place between the UAE and Vietnam, travel professionals say easier visas and better flight links will naturally encourage more tourism and visits between the two countries.
Travel agents in the Emirates note that a smoother visa process for UAE residents going to Vietnam would remove a major hurdle when promoting new destinations. The Cepa is expected to deepen travel, trade and investment ties, and tourism stands to gain from that momentum.
Part of the agreement removes tariffs on the vast majority of each other’s exports, aiming to unlock stronger bilateral trade. That growing connection is already reflected in the aviation side: a new direct Etihad route from Abu Dhabi to Hanoi started this month, offering six weekly flights with a two-class Boeing 787. The route is intended for both business travellers and families looking for leisure breaks.
Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s faster-growing economies and has become an important trading partner for the Emirates. Non-oil trade between the countries has risen notably this year, with Vietnamese exports to the UAE including electronics, textiles, footwear, seafood and farm produce, and the UAE exporting products like petroleum derivatives, metals and fertilisers.
Air cargo links have also expanded - Etihad Cargo has served Vietnam for years and provides substantial weekly capacity - while the new passenger routes make Hanoi and other Vietnamese cities easier to reach from the UAE. Abu Dhabi can also serve as a convenient transit hub for travellers from Europe, with stopover options available.
Travel companies in the UAE report growing interest in Vietnam’s mix of culture, nature and beaches. Some agencies are already seeing big increases in flight bookings compared with last year as more routes open to Hanoi and Da Nang. UAE travellers are looking beyond longstanding favourites in Asia and are finding Vietnam an attractive, good-value option.
To turn interest into actual bookings, travel agents here suggest stronger collaboration between airlines, hotels and trusted ground operators to create itineraries that suit families, couples and business visitors. On Vietnam’s side, clearer halal certification, Muslim-friendly services and language training for guides would help reassure Muslim travellers and make the country an even more appealing destination for visitors from the Gulf.
In short, with the Cepa, better air links and some targeted preparation for Muslim visitors, the UAE–Vietnam corridor could see much stronger tourism flows in the coming years. Wa alaikum assalam.
https://www.thenationalnews.co