Dubai has launched a new initiative aimed at strengthening its economic, tourism, and business connections with India by introducing a five-year multiple-entry visa specifically for Indian nationals.
In the year 2023, Dubai witnessed a significant influx of Indian visitors, with the city-state hosting 2.46 million overnight Indian tourists. This figure represents a substantial 25 percent increase compared to visitor numbers before the global pandemic, positioning India as the leading source of tourism for Dubai, as announced by the city’s Department of Economy and Tourism on February 22.
The highlights of this new visa program include:
- Introduction of a Five-Year Multiple-Entry Visa: This initiative by Dubai is designed to enhance ongoing economic partnerships and bolster tourism and business exchanges with India. Applicants can expect the visa, which permits a 90-day stay extendable by another 90 days, to be processed within two to five working days from the submission of a complete service request. The visa ensures that the cumulative duration of stay does not exceed 180 days within a single year.
- Unprecedented Growth from the Indian Market: With a remarkable 34 percent increase in 2023 over the previous year, India has reaffirmed its status as Dubai’s foremost tourism market. The emirate saw a rise in Indian tourists from 1.84 million the previous year to 2.46 million in 2023, surpassing the 1.97 million recorded in 2019.
- Enhanced Operational Flexibility: The introduction of the multiple-entry visa scheme offers unparalleled flexibility for Indians engaging in business activities, leisure trips, and frequent travel between the two regions, facilitating easier planning and execution of travel itineraries.
- Record Tourism Performance: The influx of Indian tourists in 2023 played a crucial role in Dubai achieving a milestone in its tourism sector. The city attracted 17.15 million international visitors overnight in 2023, marking a 19.4 percent increase from the 14.36 million tourists in 2022, setting a new record in its tourism history.
- Fostering Economic and Cultural Exchanges: The extended validity and multiple-entry feature of the visa are anticipated to not only enrich the travel experiences of Indian visitors but also serve as a catalyst for deeper economic ties and cultural exchanges between India and Dubai.
This visa initiative is expected to enhance Dubai’s appeal to Indian travelers by showcasing the city’s diverse cultural landscape, extensive hospitality options, and myriad attractions, further consolidating its status as a preferred destination for Indian tourists. Through this program, Dubai aims to extend its hospitality and offer more opportunities for exploration, business, and cultural immersion to its Indian guests, thereby contributing to the mutual growth and prosperity of both regions.
