Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has announced the introduction of a five-year multiple-entry visa aimed at enhancing travel between India and the UAE. This initiative comes in response to the significant increase in Indian visitors to Dubai, with India being the top source market for tourists in the region.
Key Points
Rise in Indian Visitors:
- In 2023, Dubai witnessed a notable surge in Indian visitors, totaling 2.46 million overnight stays, marking a 25% increase from pre-pandemic levels.
- This growth trend has been consistent, with a 34% year-on-year increase, solidifying India’s position as the leading source market for international visitors to Dubai.
Introduction of 5-Year Visa:
- Dubai has introduced a five-year multiple-entry visa to facilitate seamless travel between India and the UAE, aiming to strengthen economic ties and promote tourism and business collaborations.
- The visa is processed within 2-5 working days upon application acceptance, granting holders a 90-day stay in the UAE, extendable once for an additional 90 days, with a maximum cumulative stay of 180 days within a year.
Tourism Growth in Dubai:
- Despite challenges posed by the pandemic, Dubai experienced a significant rise in international overnight visitors, reaching 17.15 million in 2023, marking a 19.4% growth compared to the previous year.
- This growth underscores Dubai’s status as a leading global tourism destination and its ongoing efforts to attract visitors from diverse regions, including India.