UAE-India relations touch greater heights as Dubai unveils five-year multiple-entry visa for Indian tourists

In a move highlighting Dubai’s commitment to fostering sustained economic collaborations and encouraging improved tourism and business ties, the emirate has introduced a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa for Indian travellers.

The visa, issued within 2 to 5 working days upon receiving and accepting the service request, permits its holder to stay in the country for 90 days. The period is extendable once for a similar duration, but the overall stay cannot exceed 180 days in one year.

The initiative is expected to further amplify awareness about Dubai’s diverse offerings, abundance of hotels and attractions, and multicultural setting – continuing to make it the top travel destination for scores of Indian travellers.

“Dubai values its long-standing relationship with India”

The latest data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) indicates the city welcomed 2.46 million overnight visitors from India between January and December 2023 – a notable increase from the 1.84 million tourist arrivals recorded the year before.

Moreover, the 2023 figures easily surpass the pre-pandemic number of 1.97 million visitors in 2019. DET said the latest initiative can help tourists take advantage of multiple entries and exits, getting flexibility for leisure travel and business engagements.

Bader Ali Habib, Regional Head of Proximity Markets at DET, said: “Dubai values its long-standing relationship with India, and our inbound visitation from the market in 2023 was outstanding, contributing to a record-breaking performance by our tourism sector.”

Dubai’s record-breaking tourism performance in 2023

The UAE and India also share exceptional flight connectivity. Being a key market for Dubai, India will continue to play an integral part in enabling the city to achieve the goals of its D33 Agenda, solidifying its position as a hub for business, investment and tourism.

Launched just over a year ago by Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, seeks to further consolidate Dubai’s position as one of the top three cities for business and leisure, and the best city to visit, live and work in.

India continues to deliver the highest number of international visitors from a single market. This influx of Indian travellers significantly contributed to Dubai’s record-breaking tourism performance in 2023 as the city welcomed 17.15 million international overnight visitors.

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