UAE visa extension: Tourists thrilled to spend NYE in Dubai

Dubai - Sheikh Mohammed's announcement hailed as the best New Year gift by tourists

German expat Doris Wuenscher, 74, who landed in Dubai in September to visit her son and daughter-in-law, was packing her bags to return to her village in Germany when her country announced a hard lockdown beginning December 16-January 10. The number of deaths and infections from the coronavirus pandemic was reaching record levels.

Although a bit disappointed, Doris felt she was lucky to be in the UAE where things are much better and in control when it comes to Covid-19 safety measures.

Her only worry, however, was her visa status. Her 3-month tourist visa had already expired and she was under the grace period. But all her fears were put to rest after the recent announcement by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who on Monday issued directives to extend tourist visas for an additional month, without any government fees, due to temporary airport closures and entry restrictions around the world.

The decision will now allow tourists and their families to spend their New Year holidays in the UAE.

“What a wonderful place this is where so much concern and care is shown towards expatriates,” exclaimed a happy Doris.

This is her first visit to the UAE and she is happy to be able to experience the world’s best New Year celebrations in the country without shelling out anything extra on her visa.