UAE to ban BlackBerry
 

Some BlackBerry services will be suspended soon in the United Arab Emirates because the government can’t monitor all communications that use the devices.

This will apply to all resident, all traveler to and from UAE including transit passengers, on rooming or local operators, includin Emitates in flight rooming too

So if this will apply i can say good bye to Emirates and welcome Quatar Aiways

Hopefully it will be sorted prior to the date...I really amnot sure what I'd do without my BB...especially since I have many Indian and US/Euro business contacts on my BBM....

Is it just bbm that's to be suspended? BES email should still function, no?

No it's everything...

Basic voice and SMS services using Blackberry handsets should be fine.

what we can do with voice/sms only, BB is nothing without BES/BIS

You can speak to people and send short messages. It might be a novelty but it might also be a benefit.

Gulf News today reported that Saudi has come to an agreement with RIM about installing a server there, which allows the governement access to the BB messages and emails without the encryptions, so apparently they have accepted this, since it alleviates their security fears, and its undergoing testing.
The UAE made a statement to say its open to finding solutions, and I wouldnt be surprised if the same is done here, regarding RIM installing a local server. I'm quietly confident that we wont see an interruption to the BB services.
Honestly, this whole region relies so heavily on blackberry for business and personal use, it would be very limiting, and the government must know that.

Agreed. Most people I have spoken to aren't really worried. They all feel this will be sorted out before the deadline.

There are a few threads on this subject but I'll reply here since it probably primarily affects those that travel in/through the UAE.

The ban has been lifted according to The Register,

"The United Arab Emirates has cancelled the planned ban on RIM's BlackBerry service, saying that it no longer represents a threat to national security, but not explaining why."

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/10/08/rim_uae/

Txt messages were sent yesterday to all blackberry holders (or at least in my company) services not going to be canceled.

Which is very very good news - would hate to have to use a iPhone!!!!