Related: Why jobseekers will benefit the most from UAE's new visa rules
The UAE will allow visitors and holidaymakers to enter and stay for 60 days as standard from September.
The decision to double the time tourists can stay is one of a series of visa changes approved by the Cabinet.
It will benefit people looking for longer breaks and those who are considering a permanent move.
While there are separate visas available for jobseekers — called a job exploration entry visa — a 60-day tourist visa would allow people an idea of what the lifestyle and job market have to offer.
“Major improvements include facilitating the entry requirements for all visa types, offering flexible visa durations that meet the needs of the visitors and the purpose of the visit,” the UAE Government Media Office said on Monday.
“In addition, all entry visas are available for single or multiple entry, can be renewed for similar periods and are valid for 60 days from their issuance date.”
All entry visas are available for single or multiple entry and can be renewed for similar periods and are valid for 60 days from their issuance date
UAE Government Media Office
Until now, a 30-day visit visa on arrival was standard for many nationalities including British, Americans and Australians.
After 30 days, there was a nine-day grace period before fines for overstaying were applied. This amounted to a costly Dh200 on the first day and Dh100 for each consecutive day.
In contrast, visitors from countries that do not have a visa-on-arrival arrangement with the UAE, such as India and Pakistan, must arrange a paid-for visa in advance through a travel agency.
Meanwhile, visitors from Schengen zone countries in Europe have different arrangements, with 90 days allowed in any 180-day period.
The announcement on Monday made no reference to any changes to these arrangements.
Tourism numbers have steadily grown since the coronavirus pandemic slump when aircraft worldwide were grounded and lockdowns became the norm.
Dubai International Airport, the busiest in the world for international traffic, recorded 29.1 million passengers through its terminals in 2021.
This was above the 28 million target the airport set but far below the 86.4 million passengers who used it in 2019.
Dubai airport chiefs predict close to 60 million travellers will use the airport this year as traffic and Dubai's tourism industry continue to recover.
Spring boomtime for Dubai tourism: in pictures
The biog
Born: near Sialkot, Pakistan, 1981
Profession: Driver
Family: wife, son (11), daughter (8)
Favourite drink: chai karak
Favourite place in Dubai: The neighbourhood of Khawaneej. “When I see the old houses over there, near the date palms, I can be reminded of my old times. If I don’t go down I cannot recall my old times.”
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League, Group B
Barcelona v Inter Milan
Camp Nou, Barcelona
Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
Brief scoreline:
Liverpool 2
Mane 51', Salah 53'
Chelsea 0
Man of the Match: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
SERIES INFO
Afghanistan v Zimbabwe, Abu Dhabi Sunshine Series
All matches at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Test series
1st Test: Zimbabwe beat Afghanistan by 10 wickets
2nd Test: Wednesday, 10 March – Sunday, 14 March
Play starts at 9.30am
T20 series
1st T20I: Wednesday, 17 March
2nd T20I: Friday, 19 March
3rd T20I: Saturday, 20 March
TV
Supporters in the UAE can watch the matches on the Rabbithole channel on YouTube
Four reasons global stock markets are falling right now
There are many factors worrying investors right now and triggering a rush out of stock markets. Here are four of the biggest:
1. Rising US interest rates
The US Federal Reserve has increased interest rates three times this year in a bid to prevent its buoyant economy from overheating. They now stand at between 2 and 2.25 per cent and markets are pencilling in three more rises next year.
Kim Catechis, manager of the Legg Mason Martin Currie Global Emerging Markets Fund, says US inflation is rising and the Fed will continue to raise rates in 2019. “With inflationary pressures growing, an increasing number of corporates are guiding profitability expectations downwards for 2018 and 2019, citing the negative impact of rising costs.”
At the same time as rates are rising, central bankers in the US and Europe have been ending quantitative easing, bringing the era of cheap money to an end.
2. Stronger dollar
High US rates have driven up the value of the dollar and bond yields, and this is putting pressure on emerging market countries that took advantage of low interest rates to run up trillions in dollar-denominated debt. They have also suffered capital outflows as international investors have switched to the US, driving markets lower. Omar Negyal, portfolio manager of the JP Morgan Global Emerging Markets Income Trust, says this looks like a buying opportunity. “Despite short-term volatility we remain positive about long-term prospects and profitability for emerging markets.”
3. Global trade war
Ritu Vohora, investment director at fund manager M&G, says markets fear that US President Donald Trump’s spat with China will escalate into a full-blown global trade war, with both sides suffering. “The US economy is robust enough to absorb higher input costs now, but this may not be the case as tariffs escalate. However, with a host of factors hitting investor sentiment, this is becoming a stock picker’s market.”
4. Eurozone uncertainty
Europe faces two challenges right now in the shape of Brexit and the new populist government in eurozone member Italy.
Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, which has offices in Dubai, says the stand-off between between Rome and Brussels threatens to become much more serious. "As with Brexit, neither side appears willing to step back from the edge, threatening more trouble down the line.”
The European economy may also be slowing, Mr Beauchamp warns. “A four-year low in eurozone manufacturing confidence highlights the fact that producers see a bumpy road ahead, with US-EU trade talks remaining a major question-mark for exporters.”
The biog:
Favourite book: The Leader Who Had No Title by Robin Sharma
Pet Peeve: Racism
Proudest moment: Graduating from Sorbonne
What puts her off: Dishonesty in all its forms
Happiest period in her life: The beginning of her 30s
Favourite movie: "I have two. The Pursuit of Happiness and Homeless to Harvard"
Role model: Everyone. A child can be my role model
Slogan: The queen of peace, love and positive energy
RESULT
Aston Villa 1
Samatta (41')
Manchester City 2
Aguero (20')
Rodri (30')
