Would an open border between UAE & Oman be feasible?

Question

For example :

-what is the points of the many border checks we now go thru , they are mainly for customs fees (a measly %1) and catching illegals etc (I don't suppose illegals use the official crossing points :)
(the 2 different visa issue is not a big deal as 2 countries already share that info , as well as the proposed unified GCC visa , this could be a step in the right direction)

-Oman charges a small amount for residents of UAE about 50 Dhs plus a vehicle surcharge, which can be totally eliminated or collected electronically like thru a salik type toll gate. Thus crossing could be completely automated and only commercial trucks have to stop for inspection , not passenger cars.

- It kills competition because apparently some local businessmen who want to keep prices high (for their own benefits) are pressuring Immigration & Minister of trade to slap high border tolls on commercial or farmers trucks coming from Oman because those businessmen don't want Omanis selling for less than them. I think this is a stupid idea to do so.

-Many villages and towns along the border, are either split over the border or as enclaves with in the other, so practically those people cross into other country on daily basis , not only for business or pleasure , but also I know some Al Buraimi residents take kids to school in Al Ain , or to shop even. Same story in Hatta, Kalba, Dibba , Mad7a, Ma7dhah, Musandam etc . So why the red tape.
...

Answer 1

I think you are right - having borders is not necessary. But I heard (now I'm not 100% sure this is true) that in Al Ain / Buraimi one of the reasons they re-implemented the border was to avoid all residents moving to Buraimi for lower rents which they combined with the rule on government employees residing outside of Abu Dhabi emirate to support Al Ain's real estate sector.



I suppose that would be one of the hidden reasons for borders, but personally I think that is wrong...



Anyway, I would be with you on open borders, as in Europe. It really makes a difference and it is nice to be free to travel easily.

Answer 2

Foreign residents will benefit from an unified GCC visa, no doubt about this, also when I don't know how this will work with Saudi:)



I don't understand the Dubai - Oman joined tourist visa because this is for visitors only who don't need a pre-arranged visa. Means, they could enter Dubai and Oman back and forth endless times anyway.



A temporary solution should be found for Al Buraimi residents (and others in the same situation) until the GCC visa will be introduced.



An open border without any passport control isn't possible as long as there are certain visa restrictions for foreigners entering Oman from the UAE and vs. Even for a GCC visa you have to qualify.

Answer 3

Borders from the colonial era are always haphazard and badly planned esp desert countries such as GCC and those in North Africa.They are inconvenient for both parties but let me put on my Nazia hat and say thank your lucky stars UAE and Oman are on friendly terms and not heavily armed adversaries with nuclear weapons whose volatile borders can trigger Armaggendon



Exhibit A: Berlin wall and check point charlie during the Cold War

Exhibit B: India and Pakistans long porous border



Also the hapharzard borders have nothing on European countries such as Belgium,Netherlands,Luxemburg etc where borders divide houses where living room is one country and bedroom in another!



Its cute because these countries like UAE and Oman are at peace. If they were warring like they were in the medieval era, it would be a different scenario!



As for killing competition, that from the POV of local farmers and craftsmen it is a feature not a bug. Free markets IMO are moral in principle but in practice at least in the short I can see how people would be against them in their self interest



As to why the red tape. Well UAE is still going through birth pangs and such irritations are part of the process. Perhaps there are some UN or other international government body treaties that may specify sharper borders at least on paper in order for UAE to project its power on the world stage

Also keep in mind security issues with partners such as U.S/France etc who advise such borders.

Im not saying this particular method, if they do recommend it, is effective but that they see such as system work for them and perhaps mistakenly wish to impose it in this region.

Answer 4

so habibi when are you going to smuggle me to Oman on the back seat of your car. My abaya is ready. :)