In a strategic move to bolster ties and foster increased travel between India and Dubai, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has unveiled a five-year multiple-entry visa, as reported by news agency PTI.
Recent data from DET on February 22 revealed that India has surged to become the foremost source market for Dubai, with 2.46 million Indian visitors in the previous year. This marks a notable 25 per cent rise from the pre-Covid-19 era, firmly establishing India as a pivotal contributor to Dubai’s tourism sector. In comparison, the city hosted 1.84 million tourists from India in the year-ago period, with 1.97 million visitors in 2019.
The newly introduced five-year multiple-entry visa is designed to provide eligible Indian nationals with enhanced flexibility. It allows for multiple entries into Dubai, with each stay permissible for up to 90 days. Furthermore, the visa is extendable once for a similar period, ensuring that the total stay does not exceed 180 days within a year.
Noteworthy in its efficiency, the visa-issuance process boasts a quick turnaround time, with applications being processed within two to five working days upon receiving and accepting the service request.
To qualify for the visa, applicants must meet specific requirements, including maintaining a bank balance of $4,000 or its equivalent in foreign currencies over the last six months. Additionally, applicants must possess valid health insurance coverage applicable in the UAE.
The DET emphasized that the initiative aims to provide operational flexibility for business engagements, leisure travel, and seamless connectivity between India and Dubai. The move is strategically positioned to not only enhance tourism but also foster sustained economic collaborations and business ties.
Bader Ali Habib, Regional Head of Proximity Markets at Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, underscored the vital role of India in Dubai’s strategic objectives. “As a key market for Dubai, India will continue to play an integral role in enabling us to achieve the goals of the D33 Agenda, further reinforcing Dubai’s position as a hub for business, investment, and tourism,” Habib stated.
Highlighting the outstanding inbound visitation from India in 2023, Habib expressed confidence that the new visa initiative would not only facilitate tourism but also significantly contribute to enhanced economic collaboration. He added, “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.”
