Dubai offers new visa option encourage tourists to extend their stays
Dubai has solidified its status as a sought-after destination by offering a wide array of visa options tailored to different traveler preferences and needs.
Dubai's Comprehensive Visa Offerings
according to Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM). These visa options have significantly eased the entry process for visitors and facilitated the city's sustained engagement with global tourists.
Varied Visa Options
Dubai's visa offerings include the Golden Visa, which grants long-term residency of up to 10 years for skilled expatriates and investors. The 5-year multi-entry visa caters not only to tourists but also to multinational company employees, simplifying application procedures and extending stay durations. The virtual working program permits expatriates to reside in Dubai while working remotely for foreign employers. Additionally, retirees aged 55 or older can obtain a 5-year renewable visa if they meet certain financial criteria.
Kazim emphasized that these visa initiatives underscore Dubai's commitment to becoming a leading hub for business, investment, and tourism. They also highlight Dubai's role as a symbol of multiculturalism and global liveability.
Exclusive Dubai Experiences
Dubai's unique offerings are a key draw for tourists. Kazim highlighted several iconic attractions that set Dubai apart, including the Burj Khalifa, the Museum of the Future, the Palm Jumeirah, the Dubai Frame, Deep Dive Dubai, Miracle Garden, and the Dubai Fitness Challenge. These attractions, alongside innovative landmarks like the Museum of the Future and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, contribute to Dubai's image as a forward-looking city with a strong emphasis on knowledge, culture, and entertainment.
Dubai's culinary scene has been a focal point, positioning the city as a global gastronomic hub. The Michelin Guide Dubai, launched in June 2022, showcases 90 restaurants in its second edition, up from the initial 69. Dubai restaurants have also earned spots on prestigious lists like The World's 50 Best Restaurants List for 2023 and MENA's 50 Best Restaurants List. The addition of Gault & Millau to Dubai's food scene further enriches the gastronomic landscape.
Rapid hotel growth
Since 2019, nearly 100 new hotel establishments with over 30,000 rooms have opened in Dubai, bolstering its hospitality infrastructure. In H1 2023, Dubai's hotels achieved an impressive average occupancy rate of 78%, reflecting substantial growth despite a 13% increase in hotel establishments and a 26% growth in room capacity since 2019.
Dubai's multifaceted approach, including its diverse visa options and unique attractions, has played a pivotal role in attracting a record 8.55 million international visitors in the first half of 2023, marking a remarkable achievement in the tourism sector.
