Singapore’s Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs and Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Dr. Yaacob Ibrahim, has visited the United Arab Emirates as part of a fact-finding and information exchange tour of the Middle East.
In addition to leading a delegation of environmental services companies from Singapore to explore business opportunities in the UAE, Dr. Yaacob held meetings to exchange views on religious tolerance and understanding, issues of particular importance to Singapore where over 14 percent of the population is Muslim.
Dr. Yaacob was accompanied on his visits by Singapore’s new Consul-General in Dubai, Mr Dileep Nair, and other senior Singapore Government officials.
Among the locations visited during his stay was the Jumeirah Mosque, the only mosque in the UAE that is open to non-Muslims. While there, Dr Yaacob praised the Emirates’ tolerance, openness and understanding, and expressed confidence that the trip will help to strengthen links between the Muslim communities of both countries.
“Singapore’s ties with the Middle East – and with the UAE in particular – are continuing to grow on an economic, cultural and political level. Throughout all our joint activities, there is a strong belief that discussion and idea exchange around Islamic affairs is a crucial component of our deepening relationship,” said Dr. Yaacob.
There have been a number of official visits by Singapore Government officials to the UAE in recent months, including delegations representing the Trade and Industry Ministry, the health sector and the immigration department. Likewise, Singapore has played host to an increasing number of high level delegations from the UAE.
The recent upgrading of the Singapore Consulate in Dubai to a Consulate-General, and the appointment of Consul-General Dileep Nair, reflects the greater interaction and improving relationship with the UAE.
“Singapore is keen to attract visitors from the United Arab Emirates to visit Singapore for business as well as leisure and cultural reasons. I am committed to facilitating and encouraging such travel,” said Nair.
Currently, UAE nationals do not require any visa to visit Singapore. This is also the case for Middle Eastern nationals from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.
To make travel to Singapore easier for UAE residents from other countries, the Consulate-General will, with effect from 1 October 2005, accept visa applications from 8.30am to 12.30pm from Saturday through Wednesday. The Consulate-General will also make available a larger range of bespoke information for travelers from the UAE to Singapore.
Photo caption: Singapore’s Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs and Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Dr. Yaacob Ibrahim at Jumeirah Mosque.
About Singapore Tourism Board
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is an economic development agency for one of Singapore's key service sectors - tourism. The mission of the Board is to develop and champion tourism, so as to build the sector into a key driver of economic growth for Singapore.
With its strategic tourism units covering the key purposes of visit by tourists, the STB will work towards revitalizing traditional segments ranging from sightseeing and attractions to business travel, as well as actively tap into emerging segments such as healthcare and education services.
These initiatives will be reinforced by STB's international operations which cover the key markets in Asia, Oceania, Europe and Americas, with expanded resources to capitalize on growth markets like China and India.
STB’s goal is to create exciting and innovative experiences for our visitors, in close partnership with the trade industry, thus etching forever in visitors' minds an image of Singapore as a unique and compelling destination.
