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The UAE is an ideal tourist destination in many respects:

• Economic and political stability
• A strategic location linking East and West
• Excellent connectivity to major international airlines
• Strong and tourism-supporting infrastructure
• Wide range of accommodation options suitable for various categories and budgets
• A variety of events and activities that cater to all age groups
• The UAE's unique biodiversity is characterised by the beauty of deserts, oases, mountains, valleys and plains, mangroves, beaches, and a diversity of flora, wildlife, and marine life.
• Religious and cultural tolerance, reflected in the UAE embracing people of over 200 nationalities from different religious and cultural backgrounds who live on its territory in harmony and peace

The UAE has also become a world-class venue for conferences, regional and international exhibitions and major global sports events, such as the Dubai World Cup for horseracing, the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix, the Dubai Desert Classic Golf Tournament, the FIFA Club World Cup, world-class film festivals in Dubai as well as Abu Dhabi, and the Global Entrepreneurship Summit.

In 2016, the direct contribution of the travel and tourism sector to the UAE's GDP was AED 68.5 billion (USD 18.7 billion), which is equivalent to 5.2% of the total GDP. It is forecast to rise by 5.1% per annum from 2017 to 2027 to AED 116.1 billion (USD 31.6 billion), which would be equivalent to 5.4% of the total GDP in 2027. The total contribution of the travel and tourism sector to the UAE's GDP was AED 159.1 billion (USD 43.3 billion), which is 12.1% of its GDP. It is forecast to rise by 4.9% per annum to AED 264.5 billion (USD 72 billion), which would be 12.4% of GDP in 2027.

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Dubai maintains tourism growth momentum with 5.18 million international overnight visitors in first quarter of 2024

May 6, 2024 12:00 AM

Dubai welcomed 5.18 million international overnight visitors from January to March 2024, an 11% rise over the 4.67 million tourist arrivals during the same period in 2023, according to data published by Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) at the 31st edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM).

Following a milestone year in 2023, with Dubai receiving a record 17.15 million international overnight visitors, the city’s tourism industry is building on the momentum in the first quarter of the year, driven by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. This growth also aligns with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure. Commending the achievement, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said: “The number of visitors in the first quarter of 2024 indicates that Dubai is on course for another standout performance this year after the emirate received a record number of visitors last year, with international visitors reaching 17.15 million.

This will ensure that the tourism sector continues its growth journey in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and in line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to strengthen its position as a leading global city for business and leisure.”

Visionary leadership

His Highness added: “Integrating diverse aspects, the blueprint behind Dubai’s success as a tourist destination is based on the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and it has gained the trust of visitors from around the world. Effective promotion efforts showcase the best of Dubai for tourists, but it has also invested for years in developing world-class infrastructure that serves citizens, residents, and visitors alike. The performance of various sectors has been enhanced in line with the highest international standards and best practices with the ultimate goal of becoming the smartest, most advanced and agile city, serving everyone who resides on its land or visits it as an honourable guest.”

Sheikh Hamdan praised the efforts of the DET in successfully promoting the emirate at a global level and showcasing the distinguished experience that it is keen to provide visitors, noting that its well-considered strategies are clearly reflected in the steady growth in tourist numbers. His Highness also expressed his appreciation for the efforts of all strategic partners in the private sector for their contributions in highlighting the attractiveness of Dubai and emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors to ensure that the emirate continued to retain its lead on the global tourism map in coming years as well.

His Highness stated: “Ensuring the highest levels of tourist satisfaction translates into each visitor becoming an ambassador for Dubai, carrying to the world the image of a city that spares no effort for the happiness and comfort of its guests. We affirm our commitment to continue working to further enhance the capabilities of our tourism sector and diversify options we put at the disposal of our guests, ensuring that these always exceed their expectations. This is part of an ambitious economic strategy with a human element at its heart, the goal being to live up to every individual’s aspirations and requirements at multiple levels.”

Dubai’s exceptional performance reinforced global recognition for the destination, having begun 2024 by being named the No.1 global destination for an unprecedented third successive year in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, the first city to achieve this unique accolade. Major industry events The rise in international tourists during Q1 is the result of city-wide strategies established across vital pillars in the tourism sector, including sustainability, accessibility, entrepreneurship, and innovation, while various other key factors contributed to visitation growth. The city hosted several major industry events, such as Arab Health, Gulfood and the Dubai International Boat Show, while new hotel openings included The Lana, Dorchester Collection’s first property in the Middle East; SIRO One Za’abeel, Dubai’s first fitness hotel; Marriott Marquis Dubai; and Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel & Residences. Catering to all budgets and preferences, Dubai’s diverse offerings are constantly evolving, supported by world-class infrastructure, exceptional service at all touchpoints, and continuous collaboration between the government and private sectors.

His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: “Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the emirate’s continued record-breaking visitation performance demonstrates the sustained commitment to delivering on our long-term D33 Agenda goals, and further solidifies the pivotal role the tourism and hospitality sectors play in propelling Dubai’s positive growth trajectory.

“In addition to our high-performing tourism ecosystem, these figures also continue to be spurred by upswings in the number of international businesses setting up, existing companies expanding business lines and catchment footprint from Dubai, a very healthy MICE sector, and an influx of new talent relocating to the city, demonstrating the wide-reaching and synergistic impact of a successful and well calibrated D33 economic blueprint.”

His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “Inspired by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and guided by the objectives of the D33 Agenda, Dubai is committed to further elevating standards across the emirate and expanding its tourism offering with innovative and distinctive world-class infrastructure, experiences and attractions.

“We will continue to drive strong global and market-specific campaigns, collaborating with our key domestic and international stakeholders and partners and taking a diversified marketing approach to promote Dubai to audiences around the world, exciting and inspiring potential new and repeat visitors. The commitment of our partners to this shared vision, including through the delivery of the highest levels of service across all consumer touchpoints, is instrumental in making Dubai the best city to visit, live and work in. We look forward to maintaining the industry’s success throughout summer and the rest of the year.”

Key source markets

Dubai’s diversified approach, built on bespoke strategies and activities in more than 80 markets, helped maintain its position as a first-choice travel destination for visitors both from key traditional and emerging markets. From January to March, the Western Europe region was Dubai’s biggest source market with 1.138 million arrivals, a 22% overall share, followed by South Asia with 869,000 visitors (17%) and CIS and Eastern Europe with 817,000 (16%). From a regional perspective, the GCC and MENA were fourth and fifth, accounting for 664,000 (13%) and 605,000 (12%) arrivals respectively. The North-East Asia and South-East Asia region recorded 470,000 arrivals into Dubai (a 9% share), followed by the Americas 344,000 (7%), Africa 202,000 (4%) and Australasia 70,000 (1%).

Hotels and hospitality

From January to March this year, Dubai’s hotels maintained a room occupancy rate of 83%, a notable achievement given the 2% year-on-year increase in overall room supply to more than 152,000. Occupied room nights increased by 2%, with 11.2 million at the end of Q1 2024, compared to 10.98 million in 2023. Average Daily Rate (ADR) rose to AED638 during Q1, marking a notable increase of 5% compared to the same period in 2023, while Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) increased by 4% compared to last year, from AED504 to AED527. This performance clearly indicates city hoteliers are maintaining competitive prices and revenues amid high levels of occupancy. Total available rooms in Dubai reached 152,162 by the end of March, up from 148,877 rooms in March 2023, while the number of establishments stood at 832 at the end of the first quarter, compared to 814 during the same period last year.

Dubai had a substantial total of 96,484 hotel rooms across five-star and four-star establishments, representing a significant 64% share of the overall hotel rooms in the city, with average room occupancy typically ranging from 81% to 84%. One- to three-star hotels had a 19% share of Dubai’s overall hotel market, with the category comprising 29,100 rooms and a commendable 82% room occupancy rate. The hotel apartments segment boasted a total of 26,578 keys at the end of the first quarter and maintained a strong average room occupancy ranging from 84% to 85%.

Sustainability initiatives

With the UAE’s ‘Year of Sustainability’ extending into 2024, Dubai continues its commitment to sustainability by supporting global and country-wide objectives. Dubai’s tourism and hospitality sectors are spearheading this drive, with programmes and initiatives demonstrating the city’s ecotourism strategy.

Pioneering initiatives include those under the Dubai Can umbrella. The popular ‘Refill for Life’ campaign, promoting the use of reusable bottles and encouraging people to refill via 50 water fountains established throughout the city, has already seen the reduction in the usage of an equivalent of more than 18 million 500ml single-use plastic water bottles in just two years since its launch. A second Dubai Can initiative, Dubai Reef, is the world’s largest marine reef development project and part of the city’s efforts to increase fish stocks and boost marine biodiversity. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed recently inaugurated the landmark project’s pilot reef modules.

Entrepreneurship spur

DET is creating new pathways to growth beyond traditional tourism, through investment, entrepreneurship, and attracting global talent. Offering vocational training and educational programmes, Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), part of DET, is committed to developing a skilled workforce to support the growth of the tourism sector. Dubai also offers entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) a platform for ease of set-up and scale. Dubai SME provides financial support, mentorship, and resources to emerging entrepreneurs while Intelak Hub is the region’s only start-up platform dedicated to the travel, tourism, and aviation sectors.

Global leisure hub

Dubai’s gastronomic offering, catering to the diverse tastes of residents and visitors alike, continues to expand and is a cornerstone of the city’s tourism strategy. The city’s position as a global culinary capital was further established with 18 Dubai-based restaurants included in the 2024 MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants list, with four of them taking the top four places.

The ongoing expansion of the cruise sector is also seeing significant benefits for Dubai. In March this year, regional maritime and tourism authorities formalised the Cruise Arabia alliance – a strategic partnership that will promote the Arabian Gulf as a cruise ship destination globally and collaborate to enhance the cruise experience for passengers, attract more cruise liners, improve infrastructure at ports, and drive economic growth in the cruise tourism sector. Dubai has been a significant player in the Cruise Arabia alliance, working closely with its partners to create interconnected and integrated regional cruise services.

Dubai’s status as a global entertainment hub is being bolstered by new attractions and a year-round calendar of business, leisure, and sporting events, which continue to attract international tourists. The city’s newest major opening is Real Madrid World, an exciting theme park within Dubai Parks and Resorts, and the first to be operating under the branding of the world-famous football club. The opening of Real Madrid World follows the multi-year agreement signed in October last year between DET and Real Madrid, which will create growth opportunities for both institutions and support the D33 Agenda. Meanwhile, organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), some of Dubai’s biggest annual events were held during the first quarter of the year, including Dubai Shopping Festival. Currently taking place across the city until 12 May is the Dubai Food Festival, one of Dubai’s flagship events and a celebration of the city’s vibrant culinary scene.

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null UAE participates in G20 Tourism Ministers' Meeting, reiterating commitment to advancing sustainable tourism growth

UAE participates in G20 Tourism Ministers' Meeting, reiterating commitment to advancing sustainable tourism growth

>>   Bin Touq: The tourism sector in the UAE has witnessed remarkable advancements, under the visionary guidance of our wise leadership.

• Revenues of hotel establishments in the country amounted to AED 12.2 billion in the first quarter of 2023

 His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Head of the Emirates Tourism Council, emphasised the UAE's commitment, under the guidance and vision of its wise leadership, to actively support global endeavors in promoting sustainable tourism. HE further highlighted the UAE's dedication to contributing to initiatives that foster the formulation of sustainable tourism policies, facilitating the growth of international tourism.

HE Bin Touq made these remarks during his participation in the G20 Tourism Ministers' Meeting 2023, which was attended by over 20 decision-makers in the global tourism industry recently in Goa, India.

HE asserted the significance of collaborative endeavors and proactive measures to propel the regional and global tourism sector in a way that supports achieving comprehensive economic and social development in line with the United Nations' sustainable development goals.

The G20 Tourism Ministers' Meeting discussed several tourism topics and agendas related to tourism. One significant focus was on promoting sustainability in the tourism industry and harnessing the possibilities presented by digital transformation and smart applications, especially in the realm of tourism services. Additionally, the meeting addressed strategies for enhancing the tourism sector and making it appealing to global talent, especially through the development of innovative tourism products. The participants emphasised the necessity of fostering a supportive environment that embraces small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within the tourism sector.

In his speech at the meeting, HE Bin Touq said: “In the present era, the development of the tourism sector heavily relies on sustainability, given the prevailing environmental and social circumstances. It has become crucial to raise awareness about the significance of sustainable tourism through the implementation of legislation and policies that safeguard natural resources, cultural heritage, and encourage sustainable development in tourist destinations. The implementation of sustainable tourism strategies on both regional and global scales provides adequate support in the transformation of tourist destinations into environmentally conscious and sustainable entities.”

“The UAE has been keen to enhance its tourism infrastructure according to global standards. This involves creating unique tourist destinations and broadening the range of tourism offerings in the country to cater to the diverse needs of visitors. The UAE has made significant investments in expanding its transportation network, including land and air travel, to attract a larger number of tourists to the region. Furthermore, the significance of hosting international events in the UAE cannot be understated, as they play a vital role in strengthening the tourism sector and cementing the country's prominent position on the global tourism stage. These events serve as important catalysts for attracting visitors and boosting the overall appeal of the UAE as a leading tourist destination,” HE added.

HE said: “These developments have played a significant role in propelling the tourism industry of the UAE towards remarkable expansion and success. During the first quarter of 2023, the hotel establishments in the UAE generated revenues surpassing AED 12.2 billion, marking a growth of 7 per cent compared to the same period in 2022. Additionally, we welcomed over 7.2 million guests in the first quarter of 2023, experiencing a notable increase of 18 per cent compared to the same period in 2022, and a solid growth of 3 per cent when compared to the figures from 2019.”

HE stated that the total hotel nights amounted to 26 million nights in the first quarter of 2023, an increase of 6 per cent compared to the same period in 2022 and 15 per cent compared to the first quarter of 2019. Moreover, the hotel occupancy rate stood at about 80 per cent, which is among the highest rates regionally and globally compared to the main tourist markets.

HE asserted that the tourism sector’s contribution to the UAE’s GDP was 10 per cent in 2022, with a total of AED 166.7 billion. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, this will further rise to AED 180.6 billion by the end of 2023, reflecting a growth rate of 8.3 per cent compared to the previous year. Additionally, HE said the tourism sector played a crucial role in generating over 750,000 job opportunities in the country last year, accounting for 12 per cent of the total labor market.

“In a remarkable development, the transport and storage sector played a dominant role in the growth of the country's GDP at constant prices in 2022. It accounted for the largest share, with a substantial increase of 20.2 per cent compared to 2021. This exceptional growth can be attributed to various factors, including the surge in international flight passengers, the overall rise in air traffic, and the increased revenues of national airlines. Consequently, this tourism-related sector experienced its highest growth rate in recent years,” HE added.

HE asserted that the UAE is implementing several leading tourism projects, including the ‘Palm Jebel Ali’ project, which will add about 110 km to the coast of Dubai and will include 80 resorts and home to about 35,000 families. The ‘Sea World Abu Dhabi’ project has also launched on an area of 180.000 Sqm. The project includes more than 150 species of marine animals, strengthening the entertainment sector in the country.

HE said: “The UAE Tourism Strategy 2031 is a roadmap for creating a sustainable tourism sector. Its primary objectives include positioning the UAE as the world's premier tourist destination, enhancing its tourist identity. The strategy also strives to elevate the tourism sector's contribution to the country's GDP to AED 450 billion, while attracting new investments worth AED 100 billion specifically for the tourism industry. Additionally, the strategy aims to welcome 40 million guests by the year 2031. With these goals in mind, the UAE is committed to shaping a thriving and prosperous tourism sector for the future.”

HE Bin Touq added: “Through the Emirates Tourism Council and in cooperation with its partners from the local tourism authorities, the Ministry of Economy is implementing the objectives of this strategy and developing new tourism initiatives and policies that support the sustainable growth of the tourism sector in the country.” He referred to the UAE announcement of 2023 as ‘Year of Sustainability’, which will enhance the national efforts to accelerate the sustainable transformation of the travel, tourism, aviation, and transportation sectors.

The global tourism industry is witnessing a qualitative development this year, as the number of tourists in the world reached 80 per cent of the levels of 2019. The Middle East is also witnessing a remarkable improvement in various tourism indicators, as the reports of the World Tourism Organization indicate that it is the only region that exceeded the rates of 2019 and achieved an increase of 15 per cent in the number of tourists in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2021, while the number of global tourists amounted to about one billion tourists in 2022, which is a double rate for 2021.

His Excellency emphasised the importance of the G20 meetings, which have emerged as the foremost platform for decision-making across a range of domains, particularly in the realms of economics and tourism. The G20 Tourism Ministers' Meeting 2023, in particular, holds immense importance as it serves as a pivotal platform for promoting the shift towards a sustainable tourism industry rooted in international standards and practices. Furthermore, it provides crucial guidance for investments in diverse tourism sectors.

HE thanked the Republic of India for inviting the UAE to participate in the G20 Tourism Ministers' Meeting 2023, appreciating its efforts to coordinate working groups and its vital role in promoting international efforts to achieve sustainable development goals worldwide.

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UAE health ministry shares Tagalog heat safety tips for those with chronic conditions

The Ministry of Health & Prevention (MoHAP) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reminded citizens and residents, especially those with chronic diseases, to care for their health. They shared the video in multiple languages, including Filipino.

According to MoHAP, if you have a chronic condition like high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease, you can follow these simple tips to stay safe during heat waves!

• Para sa mga may altapresyon, iwasan ang biglaang pagbabago sa temperature, tulad ng pagligo sa malamig na tubig o direktang pagkakalantad sa malamig na air conditioning ng matagal. Iwasan ang pisikal na aktibidad sa mainit na panahon upang maiwasan ang dehydration.

In English: For those with high blood pressure, avoid sudden changes in temperature, such as taking a cold shower or prolonged and direct exposure to cold air conditioning.

2. Para sa mga may diabetes, uminom ng higit sa 8 basong tubig araw-araw. Kumain ng mga gulay na hindi tuberous tulad ng spinach, mallow, at broccoli, at bawasan ang mga tuberous na gulay tulad ng patatas at karot. Sundin ang tamang bahagi ng prutas upang maiwasan ang pagtaas ng asukal lalo na kung ang pagkain ay may carbohydrates

In English: For those with diabetes, drink over 8 glasses of water daily, and focus on non-tuberous vegetables like spinach, mallow, and broccoli. Limit tuberous vegetables such as potatoes and carrots. Be mindful of fruit portions to prevent sugar spikes, especially in meals high in carbohydrates.

3. Para sa mga may sakit sa puso, uminom ng 10 hanggang 12 basong tubig araw-araw. Kumain ng iba’t ibang prutas at gulay dahil sa kanilang antioxidant content.

In English: For those with heart disease, drink 10 to 12 glasses of water daily and eat a variety of fruits and vegetables for their antioxidant benefits.

This isn’t the first time for the UAE health ministry to post awareness videos translated to different languages. Previously, the MoHAP also posted videos on the symptoms of heat stress,  what to do in case of heat stroke, tips on how to protect the elderly from heat stroke,  as well as for those who are pregnant. 

Kate Sudiacal

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Gold / Industry

United Arab Emirates Suspends 32 Gold Refineries

By Rob Bates | August 07, 2024

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Economy has suspended 32 local gold refineries for three months for not following anti–money laundering laws, it said in a statement issued Tuesday.

Following an inspection, the ministry charged the refineries with a total of 256 violations, eight each. Among the alleged infractions: not taking proper measures to identify money laundering risks, not making required notifications of suspicious transactions to the Financial Information Unit, and not examining customer and transaction databases against names on terrorism watch lists.

The suspensions began on July 24 and will last until Oct. 24. The 32 refineries account for 5% of the country’s gold sector, the ministry said.

Abdullah Ahmed al-Saleh, undersecretary for the Ministry of Economy, said in a statement that the country “affirms its firm commitment to developing an integrated legislative and regulatory system to combat money laundering, and to achieving the highest levels of compliance with the policy on due diligence regulations for the responsible gold supply chain, by keeping pace with the best global practices in this regard.”

In February , the Financial Action Task Force, the global anti–money laundering watchdog, removed the UAE from its “gray list,” noting it had made some “key reforms” to its laws.

(Photo: Getty Images)

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Middle East Tourism: Roundup From the First Half of 2024

Josh Corder , Skift

August 9th, 2024 at 10:10 AM EDT

While global travel begins to see the first signs of a slowdown, key Middle East destinations have been performing well.

Josh Corder

This earnings season, global travel leaders have agreed that the industry is in a slowdown . An exception to that, however, has been the Middle East, which bosses like Accor’s Sebastien Bazin noted was the operator’s best-performing region in the second quarter.

Mounting regional tensions could undo the Middle East’s growth in travel, but for the first half of 2024, performance was strong.

Here’s a look at the half-year tourism numbers for some of the region’s biggest tourism destinations.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia saw a combined 60 million international and domestic tourists in the first six months of the year. The kingdom did not share the split between international and domestic numbers.

Tourists in the period contributed $38.1 billion in expenditure during the first half of 2024.

Closed off to international tourism up until 2019, Saudi Arabia targets 150 million tourists by the end of the decade, 70 million of those coming from overseas. The country also wants tourism to become its second largest industry behind oil.

Dubai continued its upward trajectory in tourism, recording 9.31 million international overnight visitors from January to June 2024. This marks a 9% increase compared to the 8.55 million arrivals in the same period in 2023, according to data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

Visitor statistics breakdown:

• GCC and MENA Markets: 26% of total visitors, with 1.27 million (14%) from GCC and 1.09 million (12%) from MENA
• Western Europe: 20% share, totaling 1.89 million visitors
• South Asia: 1.62 million visitors (17%)
• CIS and Eastern Europe: 1.37 million visitors (15%)
• North-East and South-East Asia: 10% share (896,000 visitors), driven by recovery from China
• Americas: 617,000 visitors (7%)
• Africa: 404,000 visitors (4%)
• Australasia: 154,000 visitors (2%)

Qatar saw 2.63 million international tourists in the first half of 2024, 28% higher than the same period in 2023.

Saudi Arabia continued to be the top contributor to international arrivals with 755,000 visitors – 29% of total visitors coming in by June of 2024.

The remaining top 10 visitor markets were India (8%), Bahrain (5%), UK (4%), Kuwait (4%), Oman (4%), Germany (4%), USA (3%), UAE (3%), Italy (2%).

Egypt brought in 7.069 million tourists in the first half of 2024, surpassing the previous record of 7.062 million set in the same period of 2023.

Key figures:

• Tourist Nights: 70.2 million, up from 67.6 million in 2023 and 65.7 million in 2010
• Tourism Revenue: $6.6 billion, a 5% increase from $6.3 billion in 2023, and an 18% growth from $5.6 billion in 2010
• 2028 Target: Aiming for 30 million tourists

Turkey had a 13.9% annual increase in visitor numbers, reaching 26.1 million in the first half of 2024. Tourism revenues during the same period rose by 9.3% to $23.7 billion.

• Russia: 3% increase to 2.7 million visitors
• Germany: Over 9% growth to more than 2.5 million visitors
• United Kingdom: 19% rise with nearly 1.8 million visitors
• China: 111% growth, reaching 187,000 visitors
• Japan: 96% increase with over 56,000 visitors

Turkey remains committed to its ambitious year-end target of 60 million visitors and $60 billion in tourism revenues.

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Tags: egypt , qatar , saudi arabia , tourism , travel , turkey , uae

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Tourist visa

A tourist visa is for those who are not eligible for  visa on arrival  or a  visa-free entry  to the UAE. You can apply for a tourist visa through airlines, hotels and travel agents. Read about the eligibility criteria and the steps to apply.

Multiple entry 5-year tourist visa

Who is a tourist visa for, who can apply for your tourist visa, related eservices.

The multiple entry 5-year tourist visa enables tourists to enter the UAE multiple times on self-sponsorship and remain in the country for 90 days on each visit, and can be extended for further 90 days. This type of tourist visa can be issued for all nationalities.

To obtain this visa, the applicant must have:

• a bank balance of 4,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currencies during the last six months
• a valid health insurance policy applicable in the UAE
• a ticket to and from the UAE

Documents required

To apply for the multiple entry tourist visa, the applicant must provide the following:

• a colored photo
• a copy of the passport
• medical Insurance
• bank statement for the last 6 months with a balance 4,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currencies
• tour programme
• a ticket for onward journey.

Read related news coverage on  WAM .

Related online services

• Issue family group multiple entry long-term tourist visa - 5 years - (all nationalities) – ICP
• Issue multiple entries long-term tourist visa - 5 years - (all nationalities) – ICP

Tourist visa is for those who are not eligible for  visa on arrival  or a  visa-free entry  to the UAE. Tourist visa can be obtained for eligible individual tourists from around the world. Females below the age of 18 are not eligible to apply for this type of visa unless they are travelling with their parents.

According to a Cabinet resolution passed in July 2018, children under the age of 18 years who are accompanying adults, can get a  free visa for their visit from 15 July to 15 September each year.

Tourist visas through airlines

Each airline has some conditions, which must be met in order for your visa to be arranged by them. One of the conditions is flying with them. For more updated and specific information, check the following UAE-based airlines for visa types, facilities, terms and conditions:

• Visa services from Etihad Airways  - Etihad Airways
• Visa Services offered by Emirates Airline  - Emirates Airline
• Visa services from Fly Dubai  - Fly Dubai
• Visa services from Air Arabia  - Air Arabia

Tourist visas through agencies and hotels

Licensed travel agents and hotels in the UAE can arrange a tourist visa for you provided you purchase the ticket through them and maintain hotel reservation with the specific hotel.

You can also contact travel agencies in your country for any tourist packages available to the UAE in collaboration with a local tour operator.

It is important to check the authenticity of travel agents you are dealing with and refrain from paying or sending copies of your official documents until after you are 100 per cent sure the tour operator is genuine. You can seek the help of the  UAE embassy in your country  for verification.

Note: The UAE embassies do not issue tourist visas. In order to get a tourist visa to the UAE, you need to get in touch with one of the UAE-based airlines, a tour agency or a hotel (where you intend to stay) in the UAE who will apply for visa on your behalf to the official  visa-issuing authorities  in the UAE.

• Tourist visa from Etihad Airways  - Etihad Airways
• Tourist visa from Emirates Airline  - Emirates Airline
• Tourist visa from Fly Dubai  - Fly Dubai
• Tourist visa from Air Arabia  - Air Arabia

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UAE offers condolences and expresses solidarity with Brazil over plane crash victims

Uae government.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses solidarity with the government and people of Brazil

Abu Dhabi: The UAE expressed its sincere condolences and solidarity with the Federative Republic of Brazil over victims of a plane crash in a residential area, near the city of São Paulo.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed its sincere condolences and solidarity with the government and people of Brazil and to the families of the victims over their great loss.

• Video: Passenger plane with 61 aboard crashes in Brazil

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UAE suspends 32 gold refineries in anti-money laundering crackdown

T he UAE has suspended 32 local gold refineries for three months for failing to follow anti-money laundering laws, as the country intensifies its crackdown on financial crimes .

The Ministry of Economy carried out a series of inspections on activities related to the trade and manufacture of precious metals and gemstones to ensure compliance with anti-money laundering legislation in the gold sector .

Following this, the ministry charged the refineries with 256 violations, with eight violations for each, state news agency Wam reported.

The alleged violations include failing to take proper measures to identify money laundering risks, not making required notifications of suspicious transactions to the Financial Information Unit and not examining customer and transaction databases against names on terrorism watch lists.

The suspensions began on July 24 and will last until October 24. The 32 refineries account for 5 per cent of the country’s gold sector, the ministry said. However, the refineries were not named.

“The UAE is a major player in the global gold industry. Dubai has become one of the largest gold trading hubs in the world, where the Emirates is presently the fourth biggest country in the world for gold imports,” said James Willn, partner for the energy and natural resources group at law firm Reed Smith.

“This phenomenal growth has unfortunately brought risk, especially with respect to money laundering, given the gold industry has in the past been a pathway for ill-gotten funds to enter the financial system.

“No doubt live to this issue, the UAE Ministry of Economy has been both active and vocal for a number of years now, in terms of outlining to UAE-based gold refineries the need to tighten up their due diligence regulations (on both suppliers and customers) for the responsible supply of gold in the region, otherwise these refineries run the risk of sanctions and penalties. The suspensions imposed by the ministry this week are clearly in respect of those refineries who have failed to heed the warnings.”

The Financial Action Task Force, the global anti–money laundering watchdog, removed the UAE from its “grey list” earlier this year, noting it had made some “key reforms” to its laws.

The country has made considerable efforts to shore up its anti-money laundering regime and combat the financing of terrorism.

In 2021, it founded an Executive Office for Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing after passing an anti-money laundering and terrorism financing law in 2018.

The value of fines imposed by regulatory authorities in the field of AML/CFT between January and October last year reached Dh249.2 million ($67.9 million), compared with Dh76 million in 2022.

They collected more than Dh10 million in fines imposed as targeted financial sanctions between July and October 2023.

The UAE authorities recorded suspicious activity reports relating to the gold sector increased to 6,432 last year from 223 in 2021, according to Bloomberg, which quoted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Referring to the suspension of refineries, Roberto d'Ambrosio, chief executive of multi-asset broker Axiory Global, said despite short-term concerns that suppliers and buyers might have, the gold market will not be impacted beyond measure.

“This action and others to come will create a fairly competitive marketplace for the whole industry,” he said.

“What we witness today is the consequence of a wide review of policies and procedures on anti-money laundering and finance of terrorism, which fully embeds the UAE within global efforts to combat these plagues.”

Mr d'Ambrosio said he does not agree with generally labelling gold trades in the UAE as dodgy.

“Some players might have cut corners, or not fully applied the new rules implemented by the UAE, but overall the industry is made up of fair, competitive and law-abiding players,” he said.

The suspension of gold refineries by UAE authorities may lead to a short-term shortage and a slight price increase, according to Niraj Jain, UAE practice lead at Indigenesis Consulting.

Importantly, it serves as a warning for other businesses to strengthen their AML and CFT practices, he warned.

While historical concerns about transparency exist, the UAE is committed to improving its regulatory framework, Mr Jain said.

Sunita Mathur, assistant professor at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, said: “Most of the UAE’s gold trade is largely legitimate and regulated. However, it's essential to note that there will always be a risk of illicit activities in any large and complex market, especially gold.”

“The government has recognised these risks and has made all efforts for due diligence, increased transparency and collaboration with international authorities. The recent suspension of 32 gold refineries is a live example by the government.”

Kayne Osbourne, head of compliance and money laundering reporting at Dubai-based FinTech platform baraka, said the UAE's gold market is robust, with prices typically responding to global economic forces rather than individual enforcement actions.

“National efforts to come off the FATF grey list were not a one-and-done exercise. We're witnessing continued efforts to enforce high standards both onshore and in the free zones from license revocations to suspensions and fines,” he added.

Last year, the UAE introduced a new set of regulations on gold imports in line with international rules that seek to thwart money laundering and the financing of terrorism and illegal organisations.

The new policy governs the responsible sourcing of gold by precious metal importers and refiners. Those found in breach of the regulations face fines in the range of Dh50,000 to Dh5 million.

Regulated businesses must comply and enforce the new provisions. These include companies operating refineries and involved in the recycling of gold products inside and outside the country.

The initiative includes the establishment of the Emirates Gold Bullion Committee to unify national efforts to enhance oversight of the sector, with the participation of private companies, and the setting up of a federal platform for gold trading.

The regulations specify the affected entities, which include companies involved in refining and recycling gold products inside and outside the country, businesses falling under the precious metals and gemstones trade sectors, and those labelled as designated non-financial businesses or professions.

The rules require these companies to take the necessary steps and adapt their policies and procedures to prevent the misuse of gold imports in money laundering or other financial crimes.

Last year, the UAE suspended the accreditation of Emirates Gold DMCC, one of the country’s biggest gold refineries, over concerns that its owners had ties to alleged money launderers.