The United Arab Emirates has introduced a multiple-entry visa scheme valid for five years for all nationalities, with the aim of turning the Gulf state into a tourism hub. Sheikh Maktoum said the UAE currently attracts 21 million tourists a year.
Travelers from Africa, some South American countries, Arab states outside the Gulf, and European states from outside the European Union and the former Soviet Union previously needed visas. In October, Dubai is to host Expo 2020, a big-budget global trade fair.