This tourism boom is a substantial increase from 2022, crossing even the pre-pandemic figures, indicating a 25% growth.
Get it once and you are blessed for five years! Dubai has introduced a five-year multiple-entry visa, allowing a 90-day stay extendable once, facilitating seamless travel between India and the capital of the UAE.
The move is prompted by a surge in Indian tourists to Dubai in 2023, with 2.46 million overnight visitors (from India), according to the Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
The growth aligns with Dubai's Economic Agenda, D33, aiming to build Dubai’s reputation as a top global destination for business and leisure. This initiative was launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president and Prime Minister of the UAE.
Bader Ali Habib, regional head of Proximity Markets at DET, highlighted the strategic importance of the Indian market in meeting Dubai’s goals. "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. As a key market for Dubai, India will continue to play an integral role in enabling us to achieve the goals of the D33 Agenda, further reinforcing Dubai’s position as a hub for business, investment and tourism. The five-year multiple entry visa initiative signifies a strategic step towards deepening our already existing ties with India. This historic milestone will not only open doors to a longer and more enriching experience for Indian tourists, but also provide a platform for increased economic collaboration,” he said
Boom time
In 2023, Dubai witnessed a record-breaking 17.15 million international visitors, highlighting a 19.4% year-on-year growth. Moreover, it retained its position as the number 1 global destination in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Destinations Awards 2024.
