Dubai recently unveiled a strategic move aimed at fostering tourism between India and the Gulf nation. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) announced a five-year multiple-entry visa, a decision poised to significantly enhance travel opportunities and deepen economic ties between the two countries. Here’s what you need to know about this latest development:
1. Surging Indian Visitors: According to the latest data from DET, Dubai witnessed a notable surge in Indian tourists in 2023. With 2.46 million overnight visitors from India, marking a 25% increase from pre-pandemic levels, India emerged as the top source market for Dubai.
2. Continued Growth: The data further revealed that India maintained its lead as the number one source market, with a remarkable 34% year-on-year growth. The city hosted 1.84 million tourists from India in the previous year, while in 2019, it welcomed 1.97 million visitors.
3. Enhanced Travel Facilities: The introduction of the five-year multiple-entry visa underscores Dubai’s commitment to facilitating seamless travel and fostering economic collaborations. This visa, issued within 2-5 working days, allows holders to stay for 90 days, extendable once, with a total stay not exceeding 180 days in a year.
4. Operational Flexibility: With this initiative, tourists gain operational flexibility for both business engagements and leisure travel. The DET highlighted the significance of multiple entries and exits, catering to diverse travel needs and promoting seamless connectivity.
5. Strategic Importance: Bader Ali Habib, Regional Head of Proximity Markets at Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, emphasized India’s pivotal role in Dubai’s tourism agenda. He stated that this initiative aligns with Dubai’s vision of becoming a global hub for business, investment, and tourism, further reinforcing bilateral ties.
Moreover, this milestone initiative is expected to enhance the overall tourism experience for Indian travelers while fostering economic collaboration between the two nations. With Dubai’s exceptional flight connectivity and ongoing commitment to the Indian market, stakeholders are optimistic about further amplifying awareness of Dubai’s diverse offerings and solidifying its position as the top travel choice for Indian tourists.
According to DET data, Dubai experienced a significant uptick in international overnight visitors in 2023, reaching 17.15 million—a 19.4% growth compared to 2022’s tourist arrivals of 14.36 million. This upward trend underscores Dubai’s resilience and attractiveness as a global tourism destination.
