Dubai based Emirates Airlines has pinpointed the Dominican Republic as their stepping stone to create a greater presence in Latin America and the Caribbean. Dominican Aviation director Jose Tomas Perez visited Dubai last year and met with his U.A.E counterpart Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi and the subject was discussed at length. President Leonel Fernandez also visit the U.A.E last year and it is believed the subject was again brought up and is now pending approval by the Dominican Congress. Should the airline be approved to land in the Dominican Republic it will open up the huge and lucrative Asian and Middle Eastern market to the Caribbean.