In a bid to enhance travel from India, Dubai has unveiled a new five-year multiple-entry visa scheme. This visa, which is processed within two to five working days upon receiving the service request, grants the holder a 90-day stay in the country. It can be extended once for a similar duration, with the total stay capped at 180 days in a year.
Recent data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) indicates a notable surge in Indian visitors to Dubai. Between January and December 2023, Dubai welcomed 2.46 million overnight visitors from India, marking a significant rise from 1.84 million tourists in 2022 and surpassing the pre-pandemic figure of 1.97 million visitors in 2019. DET views this initiative as pivotal, allowing tourists to benefit from multiple entries and exits, thereby offering operational flexibility for both business and leisure travel.
Bader Ali Habib, the regional head of proximity markets at DET, emphasized the enduring relationship between Dubai and India. He lauded the exceptional inbound visitation from India in 2023, which contributed to Dubai’s record-breaking tourism performance. Habib underscored India’s integral role in achieving the goals of the D33 Agenda, highlighting Dubai’s aspirations to strengthen its position as a hub for business, investment, and tourism.
According to Habib, the introduction of the five-year multiple-entry visa reflects Dubai’s strategic move to deepen ties with India. He believes that this landmark initiative will not only facilitate longer and more enriching experiences for Indian tourists but also foster increased economic collaboration.
Furthermore, Habib expressed confidence in Dubai’s exceptional flight connectivity and ongoing commitment to the Indian market. He anticipates that upcoming initiatives will enhance awareness of Dubai’s diverse offerings, multicultural environment, and abundance of hotels and attractions.
In 2023, Dubai achieved a record by hosting 17.15 million international overnight visitors, representing a 19.4% year-on-year growth over 2022. DET reported a remarkable 34% year-on-year growth in Indian tourists, significantly contributing to Dubai’s tourism success in 2023. This growth aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, aimed at solidifying Dubai’s position as a top global destination for business and leisure.
DET highlighted the longstanding cultural exchanges, diplomatic cooperation, and substantial trade ties between the UAE and India. The diverse Indian market enables Dubai to cater to various traveler preferences, ranging from luxury shopping and cultural experiences to family-friendly attractions and business conferences, making it the preferred travel choice for Indian tourists.
