VP orders extension of tourist visas for a month without fees

The extension will address difficulties faced by visitors due to closure of some airports; Dhs10,000 fine for hosting NYE parties in UAE; Saudi extends entry ban for another week.

A chef presents a 2021-styled cake at a bakery in Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip, on Monday. Agence France-Presse

DUBAI

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has directed to extend tourist visa for all nationalities for one additional month without any government fees as some states have temporarily closed their airports and restricted travel movement.

The decision comes to relax measures for visitors coming to the UAE from around the world to spend end-of-the-year celebrations with their families.

All government departments have been directed to facilitate the measures for all UAE tourists and visitors in consideration of the ongoing global circumstances, and to cooperate with all authorities concerned to ensure the comfort and safety of all UAE’s visitors.

On Monday, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention recorded 1,027 new coronavirus cases.

In addition to that, 1,253 people have recovered and three people died in the last 24 hours.

The UAE government said hosting private parties and social gatherings in the country during New Year would draw hefty fines from the authorities.