Israel's 1st ambassador to UAE submits credentials

JERUSALEM

The first ambassador of Israel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday submitted his diplomatic credentials to the Emirati Foreign Ministry.

Ambassador Amir Hayek presented a copy of his credentials to ministry's Undersecretary Khaled Belhoul, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said on Twitter.

Hayek arrived in the Gulf state on Sunday to assume his duty.

According to the official Israeli Broadcasting Corporation, the 57-year-old diplomat had previously held several positions, including head of the Hotel Federation, director general of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and director general of the Federation of Employers of Industry.

In June, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid opened his country’s embassy in Abu Dhabi and consulate in Dubai, while the UAE opened its embassy in Tel Aviv in July.

Israel and the UAE signed an agreement to normalize relations last year.

*Writing by Mahmoud Barakat