Wohoo! This is the best news you’ll read today! HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai just made a huge announcement about UAE tourist visa. For the uninitiated, UAE will now grant tourist visas for five years for all nationalities.
اعتمدنا اليوم تغيير نظام التأشيرات السياحية في الدولة .. لتكون مدة تأشيرة السياحة خمسة أعوام متعددة الاستخدام .. لكافة الجنسيات .. نستقبل اكثر من ٢١ مليون سائح سنويا وهدفنا ترسيخ الدولة كوجهة سياحية عالمية رئيسية .. pic.twitter.com/C4s26JjUE5
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) January 6, 2020
Today, the system of issuing tourist visas in the country underwent a massive change. UAE tourist visa has now been changed to five years, multiple uses, for all nationalities, Sheikh Mohammed tweeted.
The UAE received more than 21 million tourists annually, and the effort is an initiative to establish the country as an international tourist destination.
What Else?
Meanwhile, did you know Dubai is among the ten most visited tourist destinations in the world for 2019?
2019 has been a year where travel has thrived. Solo travelling has gone on a new high, staycation has trended and sleepcation has been explored. With so many new travel trends, there has also been an influx of international tourists in many cities around the world. And now the global market research company Euromonitor International curated a list of Top 100 City Destinations for 2019 covering overseas visitors or arrivals in more than 400 cities. This includes people who travel for leisure, business, to visit family or friends but excludes those studying, military personnel, cruise passengers, people displaced by war or natural disasters, transportation crew or those in employment. The bitter-sweet news is that only one Indian city has made it to the list, and that’s Delhi. Our of 100 cities, around 40 of them are Asian destinations, which are dominating this list. So check out the most visited tourist destinations of 2019 which created records.
1. Hong Kong
Hong Kong proudly owns the top position out of the most visited tourist destinations of 2019. And it does this despite handling political unrest for months, which did lead to a sharp decline in tourist arrivals. Nevertheless, the cosmopolitan destination, coupled with a rapidly developing economy gave all other emerging cities a run for their money. Having estimated international arrivals of 26.7 million, Hong Kong has proved to be one of the most popular cities in the world. The happening nightlife, cutesy Hong Kong Disneyland, landmark Tian Tan Buddha, beautiful waterfront walk, Avenue of Stars and the thrilling cable car experience Ngong Ping 360 are some of the amazing places you can visit when you’re in Hong Kong. When it comes to food, check out the video below for some of Hong Kong’s delicious delicacies.
2. Bangkok
With approximate international tourist arrival of 25.8 million Bangkok has secured the second place in the list. The Thailand capital has a beautiful blend of modernity and old-world charm. The ornate shrines, bustling nightlife, majestic skyscrapers, Buddhist meditation centres, high-end dining spots, luxurious hotels, delectable street food will definitely give you an experience worth a lifetime. A survey conducted by Mastercard titled, Global Destination Cities Index named Bangkok to be the most visited city in the world. So now you know how popular of a city Bangkok is, so don’t wait any longer to make your plans to Bangkok.
3. Macau
Did you know the A-Ma temple in Macau allows you to wear shorts, shoes and even smoke inside? This is one of the oldest yet most liberal temples in the world. And this is just one of the unique reasons why you need to make your bookings to this gorgeous place. Macau is 2019’s third most visited tourist destination of 2019. You have plenty of things to add to your to-do list here, right from shopping at Senado Square to dining at the revolving restaurant in the Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Center. Adventure fanatics too can indulge in a host of exhilarating activities like going on a Gondola ride and trying out sky jumping to name a few.
4. Singapore
Having an estimated international tourist count of 19.8 million, Singapore enjoys the fourth position in this list. Singapore is a wonderful city to visit with your friends and family, as there are an array of fun places to visit for shopaholics, adventure fanatics and even artists. Right from stepping foot at the gorgeous airport, you know you have arrived. Gardens of Bay an Avatar move like the world is a sight to behold. Singapore is one of the most visited tourist destinations of 2019, and we say its stamp should definitely adorn your passport. If you’re looking for the perfect Singapore guide, then check out the video below.
Also Read: I Travelled With My Daughter To Singapore; I Urge All Moms To Travel With Their Kids At Least Once
5. London
The crunchy Fish & Chips, magnificent Buckingham Palace, gorgeous London Eye, charming cafes, alarming Big Ben and the iconic Tower Bridge, exuberates the culture, history and charm of London. This popular European destination has grabbed the fifth position in the list of the most visited tourist destinations of 2019, housing estimated international arrivals of 19.6 million. London is love, and no matter how many times you visit this tourist destination, there is always something to look forward.
6. Paris
The most romantic city in the world, Paris is the sixth most visited tourist destination of 2019. Visit this place with your bae to soak in the Parisian culture and history. From the glitzy Lido show, spell-bounding Eiffel tower, majestic Arc De Triomphe, expansive Louvre Museum charming French bakeries to the bustling streets, Paris is definitely one of the most glamorous cities in the world. And you must plan a visit here with your beloved. Baby On The Way? Here’s Why Paris Is The Best Babymoon Destination
7. Dubai
Dubai is a culture haven. It’s all things glam and luxury. And when you’re here, the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa is not the only place that will be a jaw-dropping experience for you. You can even shop and eat at more than 90 countries at the Global Village, witness the swankiest cars touring the roads, go on a desert safari, bounce at an indoor trampoline park, roam around the coolest malls and just blend the fantasies into reality. And Dubai enjoys just this and more with approximate international tourist arrivals of 16.3 million. It’s the seventh most visited destination in the world, and we couldn’t be happier to have this Middle Eastern country adorning this list. Check out these Stunning New Terrace Opens At Dubai’s Burj Khalifa