Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have withdrawn proposals to bar certain functions from BlackBerry handsets used in the country.

Following discussions with maker Research in Motion, the UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) confirmed the ban – which was due to come into effect later this week – would not now go ahead.

In a statement the body said: “All Blackberry services in the UAE will continue to operate as normal and no suspension of service will occur on October 11th, 2010.”

TRA officials added the organisation is now satisfied services on the device are compliant with its security needs.

In August the UAE government said it would ban users of the devices from using email, instant-messaging and web-browsing services in a dispute over security.

Research in Motion

Blackberries were viewed as a risk because the network was encrypted and data stored abroad. However, the TRA has since acknowledged “the positive engagement and collaboration of Research in Motion in reaching this regulatory compliant outcome”.

India and Saudi Arabia have also threatened similar bans, with RIM forced to offer concessions in order to maintain its market position.

Saudi Arabia has since withdrawn the proposals.

RIM said in a statement it would not discuss the details of the discussions with the TRA.

“RIM confirms it continues to approach lawful access matters internationally within the framework of core principles that were publicly communicated in August,” added a statement.