Dubai has become closer: Russians can now get a free visa upon arrival in the UAE

The UAE government announced the simplification of the visa regime with Russia, which will reduce the cost of travel to Dubai and further strengthen the development of tourism.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February 1, 2017: Taking into account the long-standing importance of Russia as a tourist market for Dubai, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates exempts citizens of the Russian Federation from the need to obtain an entry visa in advance. This means that no Russian traveling to Dubai or another region of the UAE is required to pay visa fees and apply for a visa before traveling. Free entry into the country is provided for the first 30 days of stay. For a longer trip, the visa can be extended for another 30 days additionally.

An official statement by the UAE government about changing the entry procedure demonstrates how much UAE representatives rely on strength, stability and the growing potential of the Russian tourism market. Changes to the visa regime have become possible thanks to the efforts of the Department of Tourism and Commercial Marketing of Dubai, which works closely with regional and federal partners, is fighting to remove any possible barriers that complicate visiting the city. Now it will be much easier for Russian travelers to get to Dubai than ever.

In 2016, Dubai noted a steady increase in the number of Russian tourists: more than 240,000 guests from different regions of Russia visited the emirate during this period, which is 14% higher than the previous year. 12 cities of Russia have direct communication with Dubai, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Kazan, Krasnodar and Yekaterinburg - more than 50 flights from 6 different airlines depart to Dubai every week. Such an expanded offer, combined with a simplified visa regime, which reduces both the cost and the time to travel, should further strengthen the emirate’s position as one of the most popular destinations among Russians, especially in terms of family vacations, independent trips and short trips during transit stops.

Issam Kazim, Director General of Dubai Tourism and Commercial Marketing Corporation, commented on the changes to the visa regime: “Approving the procedure for issuing free visas on arrival for tourists from Russia was a long-awaited decision that reinforces our willingness to invest actively in the long-term development of partnerships with Russia and to increase the demand for Dubai in the Russian tourism market Dubai Tourism has always remained true to its strategy towards Russia, and 2016 showed the results of efforts "Our partners from the tourism industry and sales representatives in Russia to increase the recognition of our destination. As a result, we noted a significant increase of 14% in the increase in the number of Russian tourists, whose total number by the end of 2016 was 240,000."

“Throughout 2017, we intend to strengthen our influence and fight even more aggressively to attract the attention of the Russian market,” continues Issam Kazim. “We rely on the richness and variety of Dubai's offer, which includes premium leisure, beaches, shopping, entertainment, and cultural activities, gastronomy, family programs, etc. We are sure that the simplified visa regime will inspire tourists from Russia to think about a trip to Dubai, come here for the first time and come back again and again. This will help us achieve the desired status of the most visited city in the world. "

Meanwhile, Dubai's tourist offer continues to expand in scale and diversity. So, in 2016, several eminent landmarks appeared on the emirate map at once: the world's largest indoor theme park IMG Worlds of Adventure, the largest resort and entertainment complex Dubai Parks and Resorts in the Middle East; Dubai Opera Opera House, on the stage of which are staged by leading artists and companies from the world of art and show business; the new City Walk mall, as well as a number of premium hotels such as The St. Regis Dubai, W Dubai and Westin in the Al Habtoor City, Palazzo Versace Dubai, Jumeirah Al Naseem, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa.

2017 promises even more discoveries and adventures for tourists coming to Dubai. In particular, it is planned to premiere the new La Perle by Dragone show from the creator of the world famous project Cirque du Soleil, open the Dubai branch of Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, and launch a new look of the Dubai safari.

Russia became the 47th country with which an agreement on visa-free entry was concluded. The list of countries covered by the UAE's open visa policy also includes China, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Korea, European Union countries and many others. A complete list of countries can be found on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the UAE.

Dubai Department of Tourism and Commercial Marketing (DTCM)

In accordance with the vision of Dubai as the leading tourist destination and the epicenter of world financial operations, the Department of Tourism and Commercial Marketing of Dubai aims to familiarize a wide audience with Dubai, attract tourism and investment in the emirate's economy. DTCM is at the head of the planning, regulation, development and promotion of the Dubai tourism sector; advertises and promotes the commercial sector of the emirate’s economy, and is also responsible for issuing licenses and evaluating all tourism services and enterprises, including hotels, tour operators and travel agencies. The Department’s portfolio includes brands and organizations such as the Dubai Bureau of Congresses and Events, the Dubai Calendar, and the Dubai organization Festivals and Retail. In addition to its head office in Dubai, DTCM has 20 offices around the world.