An interesting business deal will come to fruition this week when the Golan Heights Winery, which has been targeted by boycott organization's around the world, will begin selling its wines in the United Arab Emirates.
European and American boycott groups say the company produces its wine on occupied land, but officials in the UAE think otherwise and have opened their arms to the Israeli wine, which will be served to tourists from across the globe, including Israeli tourists.
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It's important to note that Emirati locals don't consume alcohol. Alcohol consumption in the UAE is only allowed in restaurants, hotels and retail alcohol stores. In the UAE only non-Muslims are legally allowed to drink.
Kosher wine from South Africa is already sold in the UAE but this will be the first Israeli-made wine in the Gulf state.
The Golan Heights brands – Yarden, Gamla and Mount Hermon – will be sold through African + Eastern (A&E), one of the largest importers of alcohol in the Gulf, Golan Heights Winery said in a statement.
The Golan winery, Israel's largest wine exporter, is targeting the wave of Israeli and Jewish tourists expected to visit the UAE as well as other tourists and locals who are allowed to consume alcohol.
"This is a historic launch and we expect a successful and long-term collaboration with the Golan Heights Winery," A&E CEO Jason Dixon said in the statement.
Golan Heights Winery CEO Yair Shapira said the UAE was a market "with interesting and unique potential." He said his firm would "open the gate" and introduce UAE residents and guests to the Israeli wine industry.
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