Natasha Shadeanna
Image credit: Stephane Peres
Under a new proposal introduced by the UAE government earlier this week, tourists will now be allowed to remain in the United Arab Emirates for five years
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and the ruler of Dubai, announced Monday on Twitter that tourist visas to the country will now be valid for five years, an extension from the previous 30 to 90 days.
This move is part of a campaign to lure holiday makers to the Gulf countries eager to encourage tourism in recent years. In a tweet, Sheikh Mohammed said it is hoped the move would ‘establish the country as a major global tourist destination’.
The new visa is expected to launch during the next four months, although there is no available information yet on its cost. Currently, the visa is available to all nationalities, valid for a three-month multi-entry visa.
Image credit: Stephane Peres
Presently, the country hosts over 21 million visitors every year and this visa extension aims to promote UAE’s goal of becoming a global tourism hub. Residents have also added that this five-year multi-entry UAE tourist visa will be able to cut down costs, enable residents to host family more frequently and to allow for more convenience for job seekers.
