Multiple-entry visa: To promote travel between India and Dubai, the UAE has introduced a five-year multiple-entry visa reflecting its commitment to foster continued economic cooperation and encourage tourism and trade relations. It is issued within two to five working days after the visa request is received and approved.
Dubai’s multiple-entry visa: Dubai now offers a five-year multiple-entry visa to encourage more travel from India. Here are the key points you should know about this five-year multiple-entry visa for Indian tourists:
Visa details
According to ET, this visa is processed in just two to five working days after the service request is accepted. It permits a 90-day stay in Dubai, extendable once for another 90 days, with a maximum total stay of 180 days per year.
Record visitor numbers
In 2023, Dubai saw a rise in Indian tourists, with 2.46 million overnight visitors recorded between January and December, as reported by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). This is higher than the 1.84 million tourists in 2022 and exceeds the pre-pandemic figure of 1.97 million visitors in 2019. DET noted that with this ‘significant’ initiative, tourists can now enjoy multiple entries and exits, offering flexibility for both business and leisure travel purposes.
Long-standing relationship
Bader Ali Habib, regional head of proximity markets at DET, emphasised Dubai’s appreciation for its enduring bond with India. He noted that the inbound visitation from India in 2023 was exceptional, playing a significant role in Dubai’s tourism sector achieving record-breaking performance.
Strategic initiative
He highlighted that India will remain pivotal in helping achieve the objectives of the D33 Agenda, strengthening Dubai’s status as a hub for business, investment, and tourism. The introduction of a five-year multiple entry visa demonstrates a strategic move to strengthen ties with India further. This significant milestone will not only extend and enhance the experience for Indian tourists but also facilitate greater economic collaboration.
Deepening UAE-India relations
Bader Ali Habib further added that this also reflects Dubai’s dedication to India and the endless opportunities for collaboration between the UAE and the subcontinent. With flight connections and our continued focus on the Indian market, they believe their upcoming projects will enhance awareness of Dubai’s varied offerings, multicultural environment, and wealth of hotels and attractions, further solidifying its position as the preferred destination for Indian tourists.
Tourism growth
In 2023, Dubai saw a record influx of tourists, with 17.15 million international overnight visitors throughout the year, as per the latest data from DET. This marks a 19.4% increase compared to the 14.36 million tourists in 2022, surpassing the previous record of 16.73 million visitors in 2019.
Alignment with goals
DET stated that India experienced an outstanding 34% year-on-year growth, maintaining its position as the leading source of international visitors. This significant increase in Indian tourists played a vital role in Dubai’s remarkable tourism performance in 2023. DET also noted that this growth aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, initiated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, over a year ago. The agenda aims to solidify Dubai’s position as one of the top three global cities for business and leisure, as well as the premier destination for living, visiting, and working.
Economic partnerships
DET mentioned in a statement that the UAE and India’s significant economic partnership, built on centuries-old cultural exchanges, diplomatic collaboration, and substantial trade connections. The diverse Indian market enables Dubai to draw a wide array of travellers, offering options ranging from luxury shopping and cultural experiences to family-friendly attractions and business conferences.
