The Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau (ABCEB) has unfolded plans for a new visa in order to support nationals from India hosting weddings in Abu Dhabi.
According to a report from the ABCEB, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, the initiative comes as part of efforts to establish Abu Dhabi as a premier wedding destination, VisaGuide.World reports.
The initiative, as emphasized in the report, contributes to the UAE capital’s tourism strategy for 2030, which aims to increase the number of international visitors to a total of 39.3 million by 2030.
India is considered among the largest markets for destination weddings worldwide, thus making it a key target market for Abu Dhabi.
It provides an avenue to amplify the Emirate’s unique cultural and entertainment offerings, cultural attractions and natural landscapes for international audiences. Weddings are also a key revenue stream for the hospitality sector, driving venue and hotel room occupancy, and the service industry sectors such as wedding planning, photography, catering, personal services and more.
Indians Subject to Visas When Traveling to UAE
Nationals of India are subject to visa requirements when planning to travel to the UAE. However, the requirements differ, based on the number of days Indians plan to stay and the purpose of their trip.
For those planning to travel for tourism purposes, required documents include a valid passport, PAN Card and Photograph among others.
UAE to Launch Pre-Approved Visa for Indians
Emirates Airline, a flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates in February this year announced a partnership with VFS Global that will allow holders of Indian passports to travel to the country with a pre-approved visa. This kind of visa applies to specific categories and can last for up to 14 days.
The service is exclusively available to Indian passport holders who have a valid six-month visa for the US, US Green Card, EU Residency, or UK Residency. The issuance of visas remains at the absolute discretion of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs.
Abu Dhabi Aims to Attract Over 39 Million Through Tourism Strategy 2030
Previously, authorities in UAE unfolded Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030 to attract 39.3 million visitors from other countries and increase the sector’s GDP contribution to AED 90 billion by 2030.
In addition, the UAE’s capital also aims to create a total of 178,000 new jobs within the Tourism ecosystem, placing the emirates among the fastest-growing global destinations for foreign visitors.
