GDRFA Dubai issues first multiple-entry tourist visa for ‘Hayya’ card holders
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai today issued the UAE’s first multiple-entry tourist visa for ‘Hayya’ card holders, allowing the first World Cup fan to enter and stay in the UAE for up to 90 days.
Mohammad Jalal, a Jordanian citizen, was the first visitor to be granted a tourist visa, with a strong expectation of more visas to be issued over the next few days as substantial numbers of fans are likely to visit the UAE.
The move comes as part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to support Qatar in hosting the World Cup 2022 by allowing fans into the UAE. The new visa will enable Hayya’ card holders to freely enter and exit the UAE many times during its validity.
H.E. Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, said: “With the World Cup in Qatar only a few weeks away, the GDRFA has made all necessary preparations to support the international sporting event through a package of unprecedented services tailored for travellers desiring to have a top-notch and distinctive travel experience that goes along with their plan to attend the most popular world championship competitions and the 2023 New Year's Eve celebrations.”
According to early figures and projections, Al Marri stated that during the World Cup, which will take place in Qatar from November 21 to December 18, more than 1.4 million tourists from various nations may travel there. “As a result, we have accelerated work capacity while still maintaining the highest levels of security. In addition, certain delegations and visitors would frequently go to Doha and back to Dubai on the same day, thus we will make sure that 100% of UAE visitors from Qatar get pre-entry permits (before their arrival).”
Al Marri reaffirmed that Dubai will offer visitors a fantastic travel experience owing to its unmatched attractions, initiatives, and top-notch surprises for tourists, particularly as the World Cup will fall during the optimum weather conditions that many people from all over the world would love to enjoy.
"With that in mind, the GDRFA Dubai has formed a team to issue these particular types of visas and will continue to work around the clock to provide tourists with exceptional experiences and high-caliber services. We will distribute brochures on the most prominent landmarks that can be visited while in Dubai. We will also strengthen our cooperation and coordination with strategic partners, including Dubai Department of Economic Development, Dubai Airport, and tourism companies, to ensure that tourists are provided with an unparalleled travel experience," Director General of GDRFA said.