Dubai introduces a five-year multiple-entry visa for Indian tourists amid record-breaking visitor numbers
Unveiling a Five-Year Visa for Indian Tourists Amid Tourism Surge
Dubai has recently unveiled a new five-year multiple-entry visa aimed at enhancing travel from India. This visa, processed within two to five working days upon receipt and acceptance of the service request, permits holders to stay in the UAE for 90 days, extendable once for a similar period, with a maximum stay not exceeding 180 days in a year.
According to the latest data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Dubai welcomed 2.46 million overnight visitors from India in 2023, showcasing a notable increase from the 1.84 million tourists in 2022 and surpassing the pre-pandemic figure of 1.97 million visitors in 2019. The DET emphasized that this initiative provides tourists with the flexibility of multiple entries and exits, catering to both business engagements and leisure travel.
Bader Ali Habib, regional head of proximity markets at DET, emphasized the significance of India in Dubai’s tourism landscape, citing the outstanding inbound visitation from the Indian market in 2023. He stated that India continues to play a pivotal role in Dubai’s pursuit of the D33 Agenda, further solidifying Dubai’s position as a hub for business, investment, and tourism.
Furthermore, Habib highlighted the strategic importance of the five-year multiple-entry visa initiative in deepening Dubai’s ties with India. He emphasized Dubai’s commitment to the Indian market and expressed confidence in the upcoming initiatives that aim to enhance awareness about Dubai’s diverse offerings, multicultural environment, and array of hotels and attractions, ensuring that Dubai remains a top travel destination for Indian tourists.
In 2023, Dubai experienced an unprecedented influx of tourists, welcoming 17.15 million international overnight visitors throughout the year. This figure represents a significant 19.4% year-on-year growth compared to the 14.36 million tourist arrivals in 2022, surpassing the previous record of 16.73 million visitors registered in 2019.
India, with an exceptional 34% year-on-year growth, remains the leading source of international visitors to Dubai. This robust increase in Indian tourists significantly contributed to Dubai’s record-breaking tourism performance in 2023. The growth aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to consolidate Dubai’s status as one of the world’s top three cities for business and leisure, as well as the best city to visit, live, and work in.
DET underscored the deep-rooted relationship between the UAE and India, characterized by centuries-old cultural exchanges, diplomatic cooperation, and substantial trade ties. The diverse Indian market enables Dubai to attract a wide range of travelers, offering luxury shopping experiences, cultural immersion, family-friendly attractions, and business conferences.
