On Monday, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai announced that tourist visas in the UAE will now be issued for five years. The move comes in a bid to support the UAE's tourism economy and affirm the country's position as a global tourist destination.
Industry executives and analysts believe that tourist spending will substantially increase due to more extended stays while the real estate sector could benefit by attracting them as residents.
The UAE receives more than 21 million tourists per annum, and it aims to establish itself as a top global tourist destination. Around 25 million visitors are expected to visit the six-month-long Expo 2020 alone.
Ambareen Musa, CEO of Souqalmal.com, said this is yet another way that the government is keen to drive the economy forward.
