The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced its first-ever five-year, multiple-entry visa for tourists from Pakistan and all other nationalities.
This landmark decision was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He announced the decision on his Twitter handle, stating in Arabic, “Today, we change the system of issuing tourist visas in the country, to make the duration of the tourist visa for five years, multiple uses, for all nationalities.”
As reported by Khaleej Times, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted that the UAE currently welcomes more than 21 million tourists annually. The new visa policy aims to further establish the UAE as a leading international tourist destination, boosting the tourism economy and solidifying the country’s global standing in the industry.
Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that this decision is part of broader plans to prepare the UAE for the next 50 years of development. He declared that 2020 would be a pivotal year, marking the start of preparations for the next five decades and the design of the UAE’s future.
In addition to enhancing the UAE’s appeal as a global tourism hub, the new visa policy is expected to bolster the tourism industry and simplify the process for residents to bring relatives to the country for visits.