Dubai has introduced a five-year multiple-entry visa for Indian tourists, several Indian media outlets reported on Thursday.

According to reports, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) highlighted this initiative as part of boosting tourism from one of its top markets during a travel expo in Mumbai this week.
However, The Law Reporters independently confirmed on Friday that the five-year multiple-entry visa is available for tourists of all nationalities and has been there for the past two years.

The UAE introduced the multiple-entry permit in 2021, with the issuance of the initial visas swiftly following suit.The visa, which is issued within two to five working days upon receiving and accepting the service request, allows its holder to stay in the country for 90 days, extendable once for a similar period, with a total stay not exceeding 180 days in one year.

Bader Ali Habib, the Regional Head of Proximity Markets at DET, posted on LinkedIn that this visa has become a game-changer, removing barriers for last-minute travel and emerging as the preferred choice for frequent travellers.

“As a key market for Dubai, India will continue to play an integral role in enabling us to achieve the goals of the D33 (Dubai Economic) Agenda, further reinforcing Dubai's position as a hub for business, investment, and tourism. The five-year multiple-entry visa initiative signifies a strategic step towards deepening our already existing ties with India,” he added.

“This historic milestone will not only open doors to a longer and more enriching experience for Indian tourists but also provide a platform for increased economic collaboration. It is also a testament to Dubai's commitment to India and the infinite possibilities that can be explored between the UAE and the subcontinent. With exceptional flight connectivity and our ongoing commitment to the Indian market, we are confident that our upcoming initiatives will further amplify awareness about Dubai's diverse offerings, multicultural setting, and abundance of hotels and attractions, continuing to make it the top travel choice for Indian tourists,”Ali Habib noted.

Surge in Travellers

A record 2.46 million overnight visitors travelled to Dubai from India in 2023, marking a 34 per cent YoY growth. Dubai welcomed 2.46 million overnight visitors from India between January and December 2023, according to the latest data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). This marks a significant increase from the 1.84 million tourists the UAE hosted in 2022.

With an exceptional 34 per cent YoY growth, India continues to deliver the highest number of international visitors from a single market. This robust influx of Indian tourists contributed significantly to Dubai's record-breaking tourism performance in 2023.

The growth aligns with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, launched just over a year ago by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to further consolidate Dubai's position as one of the top three global cities for business and leisure, and the best city to visit, live and work in.

Dubai welcomed a record number of tourists in 2023, attracting 17.15 million international overnight visitors over the course of the year, according to DET. Representing a 19.4 per cent YoY growth over the 14.36 million tourist arrivals in 2022, last year’s figure also exceeded the previous record of 16.73 million visitors registered in 2019.

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