According to the Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al-Marri, the new rules will contribute to the development of the country's tourism sector. “This will regulate business and make the process of traveling to the UAE much easier and smoother, as tourism becomes a priority for us,” Al-Marri said.
The official also clarified that tourists must only deal with licensed travel agencies and hotels. Individuals cannot apply for tourist visas on their own.
According to the information system ‘Banko’, the visa fee will increase from the current 150 dirhams to 210 (3.65 AED equal $1), and the application processing time will be 2 to 3 working days. At the same time, the urgent visa type, under which all formalities could be completed in one day, is effectively abolished.