From July 15 to September 15 each year The Cabinet exempts the companions of foreign tourists under 18 years of visa fees

The Cabinet affirmed that UAE’s competitiveness as a leading destination in family tourism supports the national economy and enhances a domestic and foreign investment in the tourism sector following the adoption of the Decree to exempt the foreign tourist’s companions who are coming to the state for tourism under the age of 18 from visa fees from July 15 to September 15 each year.

The Decree of the Cabinet reflects the UAE’s position in the global tourism sector as a destination attracting visitors and families from all over the world. The number of passengers traveling through the State’s airports reached 32.8 million passengers during the first quarter of this year to enjoy historical monuments, hotels, and tourist services as well as entertainment, sports, artistic, and heritage activities throughout the year.

the decree of the Cabinet also exempts the children of tourists from visa fees to keep pace with the growth of the tourism sector in the state, following the exemption of transit tourists from the visa fees for the first 48 hours, where the tourist is allowed to obtain a fee-free visa for children under the age of eighteen during the summer holiday period from July 15 to September 15 each year.

HE Ali Mohammed Bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, confirmed that UAE is a destination for tourists and visitors, and an important international destination for family tourism in particular because of its safe environment, hospitable people, its attractions, activities suitable for adults and young persons and services that match world-class standards.

His Excellency said that the series of Decrees taken by the Cabinet, the latest of which is the exemption of foreign tourists coming to the state for tourism under the age of 18 from visa fees during the period from July 15 to September 15 each year, strengthens the lead of UAE on the list of the most attractive destinations for family tourism, making it the first choice for families both at the regional and global levels, especially with its world-class reputation as a global brand for happiness and a symbol of development and prosperity.

He added that this Decree reflects the values of nobility and hospitality of UAE, affirms the state’s welcome to its visitors, its keenness to provide an experience that admires, surpasses their expectations, and embodies in their minds a permanent image of a nation, leadership, and people who have managed to overcome the impossible and build a renaissance that surpasses the achievements of the most advanced and oldest countries in the world.

His Excellency stressed that the Decree confirms what His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said “UAE is a young state and will continue to build its future based on young people”. Especially as it is aimed at the generation of youth, young people and children in order to facilitate their entry into the state to learn about its experience, visit its landmarks and learn about its renaissance and the progress achieved to serve as ambassadors to convey to their peers a beautiful image of their welcome and the hospitality they enjoyed.

He also highlighted the economic, cultural, and civilizational dimensions of the Decree and its positive effects on the various sectors of the state, whether in attracting more investments or supporting the hotel sector, promoting the shopping activities, and increasing the demand for the various summer events organized by public and private institutions, as well as emphasizing the openness of UAE and its keenness to remain a crossroads of civilizations and cultures from all over the world.

Brigadier General Saeed Rakan Al-Rashidi, acting Director-General of Foreigners Affairs and Ports at the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, praised the Decree taken by the Cabinet to exempt foreign tourists who are under 18 years from visa fees, stressing that it contributes actively to the revitalization of tourism in the state and enhances the demand of families to visit and enjoy the facilities and privacy it provides.

He added that the Decree comes in line with the state’s renaissance in the tourism sector and the continuous growth in the number of its visitors, whether as tourists or residents, pointing out that the Decree comes in support of the Decree to exempt transit tourists from visa fees for the first 48 hours, which provides an integrated legal system in this field.

He added that the Decree confirms that the UAE government spares no effort to overcome the obstacles facing those wishing to visit and see the achievements done in various fields, especially as it relieves the burden on heads of families and enables them to obtain free visas for their children under the age of 18, which increases the attractiveness of the state to families and makes it their first destination.

Al Rashedi stressed that this Decree will contribute effectively to enhancing the business environment and global competitiveness of the State by providing more facilities that stimulate the creation of investment opportunities and support the state economy.

He pointed out that the period of validity of the Decree, which extends from July 15 to September 15 each year, will enhance the summer tourism season in the state and will increase the demand for various activities that embraced by the state such as Dubai Summer Surprises and other events organized in different emirates of the state.