Israeli brand gets first permit for photoshoot in UAE
Picture of Israel, Dubai-based models flying the flags of each nation goes viral
On the path to full normalization between the two countries official, an Israeli model became the first in her nation's industry to strike a pose for an Israeli brand in the United Arab Emirates.
"It was the first time in Dubai that an Israeli brand, Fix, got a permit to shoot in Dubai ever," Noya Yohananoff, head producer of the photoshoot. "So, when we applied for the permits there was [not] even the option to choose Israel between the options of the companies' countries. So, we did everything we could, Diva Dubai did everything they could to make it work."
Both the Israeli and United Arab Emirates flags were pictured together on Tuesday fluttering above the dunes of Dubai, held by models representing each country.
“It is a very historical moment and I am very excited to be the first Israeli model to shoot for an Israeli brand here,” model May Tager, 21, said. “I think it's going to be a big part of the historical moment of fashion and politics.”
Anastasia Bandarenka, a model originally from Russia who currently lives in Dubai, held the UAE flag for the photo shoot. The models were wearing pajamas from Delta Israel’s new loungewear collection.
With the final details of the agreement between the two nations pending, Tager and the rest of the Israeli team for the photoshoot entered the UAE on non-Israeli passports since visas and direct flights for Israeli citizens have yet to be established. But once there, May said she felt no fear mentioning that she is Israeli.
Both Israeli and Emirati companies are eager to reap the economic benefits that these diplomatic ties are expected to bring. One Israeli official estimated that in five years trade between the two countries could reach $4 billion.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
