United Arab Emirates formally ends boycott of Israel after deal

The ruler of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, issued a decree on Saturday formally ending a law on the boycott of Israel, after a deal was struck to normalize relations between the two countries.

The decree abolishes law number 15 from the year 1972 and penalties resulting from violating the boycott, according to the official WAM news agency.

"The decree comes as part of the UAE's efforts to expand diplomatic and commercial cooperation with Israel, and draw up a roadmap towards launching joint cooperation, leading to bilateral relations by stimulating economic growth and promoting technological innovation," WAM said.