In a first, UAE rolls out multi-entry tourist visa for all nationalities

Decision comes to boost tourism and make it easier for residents to bring relatives to the Gulf state

DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates on Monday introduced a multiple-entry visa scheme valid for five years for all nationalities, with the aim of turning the Gulf state into a tourism hub.

"#UAE Cabinet chaired by @HHShkMohd, approves new amendment for tourist visas in #UAE," the government of Dubai Media Office tweeted, referring to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum – the UAE prime minister and ruler of Dubai.

"The new tourist visa will be valid for 5 years and can be used for multiple entries and is open for all nationalities," the Dubai Media Office wrote.

Sheikh Mohammad said on Twitter that the UAE currently attracts 21 million tourists a year.

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Before this, tourists could visit the Gulf country with a free multiple entry visa for up to 90 days, from the date of entry.

"This is part of wider plans to prepare the country for the next 50 years of development," the UAE ruler said, adding, "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."

Travellers from Africa, some South American countries, Arab states outside the Gulf, and European states from outside the European Union and former Soviet Union previously needed visas.

In October, Dubai is to host Expo 2020, a big-budget global trade fair.

(With additional input from APP)