Dubai launches 5-year multiple entry visa for Indian travellers
Dubai has recently introduced a five-year multiple-entry visa to boost travel from India. This visa, issued within two to five working days upon receiving and accepting the service request, permits the holder to stay in the country for 90 days. It can be extended once for a similar period, while the total stay should not exceed 180 days in one year.
According to the latest data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Dubai received 2.46 million overnight visitors from India between January and December 2023. This shows a significant increase from the 1.84 million tourists in 2022, surpassing the pre-pandemic figure of 1.97 million visitors in 2019. DET notes that this ‘significant’ initiative allows tourists to leverage multiple entries and exits, providing operational flexibility for both business engagements and leisure travel.
Adding to this, Bader Ali Habib, the regional head of proximity markets at DET, expressed that Dubai values its long-standing relationship with India, and highlighted the outstanding inbound visitation from the Indian market in 2023, contributing to a record-breaking performance in Dubai’s tourism sector.
Habib added that India will continue to play an integral role to achieve the goals of the D33 Agenda, further reinforcing Dubai’s position as a hub for business, investment, and tourism. He further added that the five-year multiple-entry visa initiative signifies a strategic step towards deepening Dubai’s already existing ties with India.
He is affirmative that this historic milestone will not only open doors to a longer and more enriching experience for Indian tourists, but will also provide a platform for increased economic collaboration.
He added, “It is also a testament to Dubai’s commitment to India and the infinite possibilities that can be explored between the UAE and the sub-continent. With exceptional flight connectivity and our ongoing commitment to the Indian market, we are confident that our upcoming initiatives will further amplify awareness about Dubai’s diverse offerings, multicultural setting, and abundance of hotels and attractions, continuing to make it the top travel choice for Indian tourists.”
In 2023, Dubai set a new record by welcoming 17.15 million international overnight visitors throughout the year, representing a 19.4% year-on-year growth over the 14.36 million tourist arrivals in 2022. This figure also exceeded the previous record of 16.73 million visitors registered in 2019.
Reports further add that DET reported an exceptional 34% year-on-year growth in Indian tourists, contributing significantly to Dubai’s record-breaking tourism performance in 2023. DET emphasized that this growth aligns with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, launched just over a year ago by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as one of the top three global cities for business and leisure, and the best city to visit, live, and work in.
DET in its statement added that the UAE and India stand as key economic partners, with a relationship deeply rooted in centuries-old cultural exchanges, diplomatic cooperation, and significant trade ties.
It also mentioned that the diverse Indian market allows Dubai to attract a broad range of travelers, catering to various preferences such as luxury shopping, cultural experiences, family-friendly attractions, and business conferences.