Arabian Travel Market 2026 Kicks Off in Dubai
14 Sep
:
17 Sep

Welcome to the UAE

The United Arab Emirates welcomes all visitors wishing to visit the country, experience its unique atmosphere, and explore its captivating heritage, cultural, tourist and natural attractions and facilities. The UAE also welcomes entrepreneurs, talented individuals, professionals and investors seeking to work and reside in the country, and to take advantage of the opportunities it offers for growth, creativity and innovation.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security invites those wishing to visit, reside and work in the United Arab Emirates to benefit from the streamlined procedures and facilities offered through the Authority’s smart services ecosystem, which provides services to all customers.

Discover the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates, with Abu Dhabi as its capital. It is located in western Asia, along the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. The seven emirates are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. The United Arab Emirates was established in 1971.

The UAE is a popular destination for family holidays and vacations, offering a wide range of attractions for visitors, including iconic skyscrapers, sandy beaches, historic sites and many other experiences. It also offers culture enthusiasts a wealth of opportunities to discover, explore and enjoy.

The UAE Dirham

The UAE dirham is the official currency of the United Arab Emirates. It is abbreviated as AED or Dhs and has been the country’s official currency since 1973. The dirham is divided into 100 fils and is considered one of the world’s most stable currencies.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and the largest of the seven emirates. The emirate comprises three main regions and cities: Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra. It accounts for approximately 85% of the UAE’s total area and consistently ranks among the safest cities in the world. Over the past 50 years, Abu Dhabi has undergone unprecedented development and transformation.
Dubai
Dubai has firmly established itself as a global business hub and a leading destination on the world tourism map. It is a global centre for trade and business, connected to countries around the world through an extensive network of international air routes.
Sharjah
Sharjah is home to vast deserts, beaches and important archaeological sites. It has been recognised as the “Capital of Islamic Culture” and as a “Distinctive and Unique Tourist Destination”. UNESCO has also designated Sharjah as the “Cultural Capital of the Arab World”. Several of its cities and villages are located along the eastern coast, overlooking the coast of Oman.
Ajman
The Emirate of Ajman is home to numerous archaeological sites dating back to prehistoric times, as well as historic forts and other heritage sites. It is also distinguished by its diverse natural landscapes, including beaches, mountains and valleys.
Umm Al Quwain
Umm Al Quwain is home to important archaeological sites, while mangrove forests extend for more than 7 kilometres along its coastline. Al Sinniyah Island is one of the emirate’s largest islands and serves as a nature reserve for migratory birds, particularly during the relatively warm winter season.
Ras Al Khaimah
The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, vast deserts and majestic mountains. It is home to important archaeological sites dating back to the third millennium BC. The emirate is also home to Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE, as well as extensive date palm plantations. It offers an authentic glimpse into Arab traditions and heritage, while providing visitors with a wide range of recreational activities and experiences.
Fujairah
Fujairah is characterised by its mountainous landscape and is surrounded by the towering Hajar Mountains. It boasts a 70-kilometre-long sandy coastline and stunning natural beauty. The emirate welcomes visitors throughout the year, thanks in part to its relatively cooler temperatures during the summer months.

About ICP

Establishment (2004)
The Authority was established on 29 September 2004 under the name “Emirates Identity Authority”. Since its establishment, the Authority has been responsible for providing services to identify and verify the identities of individuals for federal and local government entities.
Expansion of Mandates (2017)
In 2017, a decision was issued to change the Authority’s name from “Emirates Identity Authority” to the “Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship”, and to assign it additional mandates covering citizenship affairs, passports, and the entry and residence of foreigners in the UAE. The Authority was also entrusted with developing policies in these areas and ensuring their implementation in accordance with the provisions of the relevant decree, as well as the laws, regulations and decisions in force in the UAE.
Current Identity (2021)
In 2021, a decision was issued to establish the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, marking a significant milestone in the Authority’s journey. This expanded its mandate to include additional responsibilities, such as enhancing the security of ports, borders and free zones, and regulating and managing customs operations in the UAE in accordance with international standards and security requirements.

The Tourism Sector in the UAE

The tourism sector in the United Arab Emirates is one of the key sectors supporting the national economy, contributing approximately 11% of the country’s GDP annually. The National Tourism Strategy 2031 aims to further strengthen and develop the UAE’s tourism sector.
AED 450 billion
Target contribution to the national economy
AED 27 billion
Expected annual increase in contribution
AED 100 billion
Targeted new investment in the sector
40 million
Hotel guests by 2031
The National Tourism Strategy 2031 is being implemented in cooperation and coordination with various local and federal authorities and institutions involved in the tourism sector, including: -
Ministry of Economy
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security
Central Bank of the UAE
General Civil Aviation Authority
World Tourism Organisation
Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre
and a number of international companies...

Arabian Travel Market – Dubai

Over the past three decades, Arabian Travel Market has evolved into a leading global event and a key driver of growth in the travel and tourism sector. It has also established itself as a premier platform for industry leaders and experts to discuss global trends and explore opportunities for business growth. Held annually at Dubai World Trade Centre, the event showcases thousands of tourism products and destinations from around the world to visitors, buyers and trade professionals. Previous editions of Arabian Travel Market have attracted a diverse range of industry professionals, ministers and senior leaders, who have come together under one roof to network, build relationships and discuss key issues shaping the travel and tourism sector. The 2026 edition of Arabian Travel Market is expected to be the best edition yet.
Value of deals and business opportunities generated at the exhibition
AED 91 billion
Key Highlights
  • A leading trade exhibition in the Middle East, focused on both inbound and outbound travel.
  • Brings together industry professionals, ministers and leaders under one roof every year.
  • Lectures, conversations and panel discussions, alongside keynote addresses by leading figures in the industry.

ICP Participation in Arabian Travel Market

During our participation in the 33rd edition of Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security is highlighting the various types of long-term residence and tourist, medical and education visas, as well as the benefits available to investors, tourists, entrepreneurs, students and university graduates. The Authority’s dedicated teams are providing visitors and those interested in living and residing in the UAE with information on the benefits and categories of the Golden and Blue Residences, the multiple-entry tourist visa, the virtual work visa, the job exploration visa and the retirement residence visa, as well as the applicable conditions and requirements for each category and the procedures for obtaining these services through the Authority’s website and smart application.
Subject to meeting the relevant conditions and requirements for these visas and residence permits, applicants can apply for the services 24 hours a day, from anywhere in the world, through the UAEICP smart App and Website.

Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa

The UAE is renowned for its significant cultural and modern landmarks, as well as its appealing atmosphere, particularly during the winter months. It is therefore an ideal destination for tourism and travel enthusiasts. The tourist visa is consequently one of the most widely used visa types in the UAE, particularly among those wishing to visit the country, explore its landmarks and history, enjoy its atmosphere, and experience living and working in the UAE.  

Duration of Residency

90 Consecutive Days Extendable once, for a maximum of 180 days per year, except in exceptional cases.

Financial Requirement

$4,000 USD A bank balance of USD 4,000, or its equivalent, maintained consistently throughout the six months preceding the application.

AFSEH Cash and Valuables Disclosure System

The AFSEH system for the disclosure of cash and equivalent valuables carried by travellers entering or departing the UAE is an advanced electronic system that enables eligible natural and legal persons travelling through the UAE’s customs ports to declare the cash, currencies, negotiable bearer financial instruments, precious metals and precious stones in their possession while travelling.

Objectives of the AFSEH System

You May Also Be Interested In

Golden Residence Guide

The Golden Residence is a 10-year long-term residence programme, renewable, that allows holders to live, work and invest in the UAE without the need for a sponsor.

Blue Residence Guide

The Blue Residence is a long-term residence category in the UAE granted to individuals who have made exceptional contributions in the fields of environmental protection and sustainability.

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