Dubai Unveils Five-Year Multiple-Entry Visa for Indian Tourists

By Zara Dmello

Dubai, on February 22, 2024, announced a ground breaking initiative to fortify its ties with India, its top source market, as it unveiled a Five-Year Multiple-Entry Visa for tourists. The move comes on the heels of Dubai’s record-breaking performance in 2023, welcoming 2.46 million overnight visitors from India, marking a remarkable 34% year-on-year growth. This surge aligns seamlessly with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, underscoring Dubai’s position as a global hub for business and leisure.

As Dubai actively participates in SATTE 2024, India’s premier trade exhibition, the introduction of this visionary visa initiative aims to foster sustained economic collaborations and encourage tourism and business ties. Bader Ali Habib, Regional Head of Proximity Markets at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, emphasised the significance of this historic milestone in deepening ties with India.

The Five-Year Multiple-Entry Visa, issued within two to five working days, grants its holder a 90-day stay, extendable once for a similar period, with a total stay not exceeding 180 days in one year. This strategic step ensures operational flexibility for business engagements, leisure travel, and seamless connectivity, offering tourists the opportunity to leverage multiple entries and exits.

Dubai’s tourism sector achieved unparalleled success in 2023, welcoming a record 17.15 million international overnight visitors. This stellar figure reflects a 19.4% year-on-year growth over 2022, surpassing the previous record of 16.73 million visitors in 2019. The city’s commitment to excellence in hospitality, dining, safety, and service has led to its recognition as the No.1 global destination for the third consecutive year in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Destinations Awards 2024.

The relationship between the UAE and India stands as a cornerstone of economic partnership, rooted in centuries-old cultural exchanges and diplomatic cooperation. The diverse Indian market allows Dubai to cater to various preferences, from luxury shopping to family-friendly attractions and business conferences.

For those looking to apply for the five-year visa program, more information is available at GDRFA-DUBAI. This initiative not only promises a longer and more enriching experience for Indian tourists but also paves the way for increased economic collaboration between the UAE and the sub-continent. As Dubai continues its commitment to the Indian market, these initiatives are poised to amplify awareness about the city’s diverse offerings, multicultural setting, and abundance of hotels and attractions, solidifying its status as the top travel choice for Indian tourists.