UAE now offers five-year multiple-entry tourist visas for all to boost tourism

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced multiple-entry tourist visas for all nationalities, which also comes with a validity of five years. This move comes in the wake of solidifying its position as a tourist hub.
The said decision was recently taken, during a meeting of the Council of Ministers in the UAE, which was chaired by UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He tweeted the announcement and stated that they had approved the change of the tourist visa system in the country so that multiple-entry tourist visas are applicable for all nationalities for a duration of five years. He also added that the country receives more than 21 million tourists annually and that it aims to establish the country as a major global tourist destination.
Till date, the UAE used to issue single or multiple-entry tourist visas with a validity of 30 or 90 days. The UAE has been introducing a slew of visa changes in the past few years to attract more tourists, including from India. Earlier in May 2017, Indian nationals holding a normal passport valid for a minimum of six months from the arrival date, and a visit visa or green card issued by the United States of America which is valid for a minimum of six months, or holding a United Kingdom or European Union residence, were allowed to get a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 14 days for a charge of AED120 (subject to change).
However, they were allowed to apply and extend their stay for an additional 14 days for AED250 (subject to change). The Gulf ruler further mentioned that since the UAE will be turning 50-years-old in 2021, the year 2020 will be the year of preparation for the same.