First delegation of Israeli high-tech companies visits UAE to foster ties: reports

A delegation of leading Israeli high-tech companies are in the United Arab Emirates to establish a presence in the Gulf state, just weeks after the two countries formalised ties, according to Jewish Press.

Representatives from more than a dozen tech companies are involved in the trip, including Secret Double Octopus, an Israeli software company specialising in password-less authentication for businesses.

The delegation is led by Jerusalem Venture Partners Fund and is due meet with senior Emirati officials and investors to foster ties with new allies, after an official invitation from the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC).

Israel struck landmark agreements last month with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, and last week, agreed with Sudan to normalise relations in a US-brokered deal.

The UAE and Israel have agreed a number of Memorandums of Understanding while businesses in the two countries are eager to bolster cooperation.

Read also: Sudanese in Israel fear being returned after normalisation

Last week, a UAE government delegation arrived in Israel in the first official visit to the country.

Led by Economy Minister Abdullah bin Touq Al-Mari, the UAE delegation will include Minister of State for Financial Affairs Obaid Humaid Al-Tayer and other leading government officials.

Normalisation with Israel is a highly controversial topic across the Arab world and reports of deals have sparked protests across the region.

Recent reports suggest that Oman and even Saudi Arabia could announce normalisation deals with Israel.

The Palestinians have been vocal in their opposition to the agreements, arguing that such decisions remove any incentive for Israel to end its occupation of the Palestinian territories.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay connected