By Staff Reporter
Dubai: The UAE has reaffirmed its commitment to becoming a global hub for business, tourism and international events by highlighting the benefits of its specialised Events Visit Visa, which allows international visitors to attend approved conferences, exhibitions, summits, festivals and other major gatherings across the country.
The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) said the temporary entry permit is designed for participants, exhibitors and visitors attending a wide range of approved events, including economic, cultural, educational, sporting, religious and community programmes.
Introduced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the visa aims to simplify travel procedures for international attendees while supporting the UAE’s growing meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector.
Organisers sponsor applications
The Events Visit Visa is available for events organised by government bodies and approved private-sector organisations.
Under the system, event organisers must first obtain approval for the number of international participants expected to attend. Once a participant quota has been authorised, organisers can sponsor visa applications for invited guests travelling to the UAE.
Applicants are required to submit a sponsorship letter from the event organiser confirming the purpose and duration of the event, together with any additional supporting documents.
Events covered
The visa is available for those attending:
- International conferences and corporate summits
- Trade exhibitions and business conventions
- Cultural, entertainment and sporting festivals
- Educational forums and academic events
- Community programmes and public gatherings
- Religious and economic meetings
The initiative is intended to make it easier for international delegates to participate in the UAE’s expanding calendar of global events.
Flexible visa options
The Events Visit Visa offers several flexible features to accommodate different event requirements, including:
- Stay periods of 30 or 60 days
- Single-entry and multiple-entry options
- Renewable and extendable permits where required
- A maximum cumulative stay of up to 120 days
The multiple-entry option is particularly useful for exhibitors, organisers and business professionals attending several meetings or events during their stay.
Boosting tourism and business
According to GDRFA Dubai, the specialised visa is designed to simplify entry procedures for delegates, speakers, exhibitors and visitors while strengthening the UAE’s events industry.
Officials say the initiative will also enhance the visitor experience, support tourism and hospitality, encourage international participation in major events, and further reinforce the UAE’s reputation as one of the world’s leading destinations for business and international gatherings.
