Observer Report
Abu Dhabi
The United Arab Emirates on Monday unveiled its first multi-entry five-year tourist visa in order to boost its tourism industry.
The UAE cabinet, in its first meeting of the year chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the prime minister and ruler of Dubai, approved the new visa policy. At present, tourists from some countries can visit the UAE with a free multiple entry visa for up to 90 days, from the date of entry.
The move is expected to provide a boost to the local tourism industry and make it easier for residents to bring relatives to the country for visits, the newspaper said.
According to the report, Sheikh Mohammed said the new visa would allow tourists multiple entries into the country over a period of five years. He said the move aimed at establishing the Emirates as a “major global tourism destination” was part of wider plans to prepare the country for the next 50 years of development.
“The year 2020 will be different because it is the year of preparation for the next 50, the year in which we design the future of the Emirates,” he said.
The visa would be available to all nationalities, Sheikh Mohammed was quoted as saying. According to report, it is not clear if there will be an application fee for the visa and no other details have been released as yet.
