Dubai opens direct tourist visas as UAE airlines extend Saudi cancellations

Dubai began accepting tourist-visa applications directly through the Visit Dubai website in November, in a move aimed at easing arrivals ahead of the winter travel season, Gulf News reported.

Visitors can apply for single-entry or multiple-entry tourist visas through the site, with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai assessing applications and issuing the visas.

In the same context, Etihad Airways extended the cancellation of its Abu Dhabi flights to Dammam, Riyadh and Jeddah through 5 November, while other carriers including flydubai, IndiGo, Cathay Pacific and Delta have suspended or delayed Saudi services, some into 2027, according to the published data.

Gulf News said Dubai's departing seat capacity reached 7.2 million seats in October, up 23% from June, as some carriers gradually resume flights. British Airways is due to return on 3 November, with up to 36 weekly Dubai-Europe services expected between late October and December, while ITA Airways extended its suspension to 30 November and Singapore Airlines extended its suspension of Dubai services to 28 February 2027. Dubai also launched the invitation-only Dubai Access Club for repeat visitors, offering exclusive benefits and experiences, with eligibility and membership details to be announced later. The steps come amid continuing regional tensions affecting air travel in the region.

What do these terms mean?

Multiple-entry tourist visa: A permit that allows a visitor to enter a country more than once during its validity without applying for a new visa each time.

Seat capacity: The number of seats available for sale on scheduled flights from a given airport during a specific period.

Suspension of flights: A temporary halt to operating a route because of security or operational conditions, not a permanent cancellation.