**NICOSIA, Cyprus** – In a development underscoring its burgeoning appeal as a premier European holiday destination, Cyprus is garnering significant accolades from Israeli media for its festive charm, drawing Israeli visitors seeking an accessible and authentic Christmas experience. This surge in popularity coincides with significant diplomatic and security engagements, as the island nation solidifies its strategic partnerships with regional players.
The Israeli newspaper *Yedioth Ahronoth* has prominently featured Cyprus, extolling its virtues as an ideal locale for celebrating the Yuletide season. The publication highlighted the island's enchanting Christmas villages, its characteristically mild winter climate, and an extended festive period that stretches well beyond the typical Western European calendar, often continuing until Epiphany. This portrayal suggests Cyprus offers a compelling alternative for Israelis who might otherwise undertake arduous and costly journeys to more distant European locales, seeking to escape the cold and embrace the holiday spirit without the logistical burdens. *Yedioth Ahronoth* optimistically noted, "It turns out you don’t have to take out a loan, dry out on a long flight for hours, and freeze in alpine weather to feel the Christmas spirit of Europe." The report further elaborated, "Cyprus has emerged as an ideal holiday destination for Israelis looking to immerse themselves in the European Christmas spirit." Villages such as Kalopanayiotis and Lefkara are reportedly among the favoured spots, while Limassol is increasingly recognised for its welcoming ambiance, often described as "Israeli-friendly."
Beyond its allure as a holiday hotspot, Cyprus has also been the stage for crucial security dialogues. Senior air force commanders from Greece, Israel, and Cyprus convened in Nicosia on a recent Wednesday to deliberate on enhancing their collaborative security frameworks and operational coordination. The discussions reportedly centred on bolstering regional deterrence capabilities, particularly in light of Turkey's expanding military posture. A key outcome of these high-level talks was the exploration of establishing a joint rapid reaction force, a contingent envisioned to comprise approximately 2,500 personnel, with contributions anticipated from Greece (1,000), Israel (1,000), and Cyprus (500). This initiative signifies a deepening commitment to trilateral defence cooperation, aiming to foster greater interoperability and a more robust collective security apparatus.
Concurrently, Cyprus is actively cultivating robust economic ties with the United Arab Emirates. Invest Cyprus, in collaboration with the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and government representatives, hosted a significant roundtable discussion on December 13, 2025, in Nicosia. This high-profile event brought together Cypriot and Emirati ministers, business leaders, and officials, including Mr Evgenios Evgeniou, Chairman of Invest Cyprus, and H.E. Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade. The primary objective was to fortify bilateral relations and stimulate investment flows between the two nations. A pivotal outcome of this engagement was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a Joint Cyprus-UAE Business and Investment Council, a body poised to facilitate closer economic cooperation and explore new avenues for trade.
During the roundtable, Cyprus's economic strengths were emphatically presented to potential Emirati investors. Officials highlighted the island nation's favourable economic indicators, such as public debt remaining below 60% of GDP, and its burgeoning technology sector, which boasts over 800 active tech companies. These attributes position Cyprus as an attractive destination for foreign direct investment, promising a stable and dynamic environment for growth. The collaborative efforts across tourism, security, and economic development underscore Cyprus's multifaceted strategic importance and its proactive approach to strengthening its international standing and regional influence.