United Arab Emirates Flag

United Arab Emirates National Day 2024: Everything You Need to Know

The UAE National Day is a highly anticipated celebration that unites residents, citizens, and tourists in honoring the country’s rich heritage, rapid development, and vision for the future. For travelers interested in experiencing the vibrant festivities, now is the perfect time to plan a trip with the help of the best travel agency in Dubai, where obtaining a UAE visit visa becomes seamless.

What is UAE National Day?

Observed on December 2, UAE National Day commemorates the unification of the seven emirates in 1971, led by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. This year marks the UAE’s 53rd National Day and reflects on the country’s milestones over more than five decades. Expect a series of events that capture this year’s theme, focusing on unity, innovation, and resilience. As National Day falls on a Monday, residents and visitors will likely enjoy an extended weekend, with many public holidays extending through December 1 (Commemoration Day) and December 2.

Overview of Each Emirate

Each of the UAE’s seven emirates offers a unique experience, making it a diverse destination for any traveler. Here’s a brief look:

  • Abu Dhabi: The capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is home to iconic landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi. It combines luxury with cultural heritage and hosts numerous cultural festivals.
  • Dubai: Known for its modern skyline and attractions like the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah, Dubai embodies the spirit of innovation and ambition. Its luxury shopping, nightlife, and beaches attract millions of tourists every year.
  • Sharjah: Sharjah is celebrated as the cultural capital of the UAE, home to museums, art galleries, and heritage sites. Its focus on Emirati culture makes it a must-visit for those interested in history and art.
  • Ajman: The smallest emirate, Ajman offers a relaxing escape with its tranquil beaches and scenic Corniche. It’s known for its laid-back atmosphere and peaceful setting.
  • Umm Al-Quwain: This emirate is famous for its natural lagoons and water activities, making it a great spot for camping, birdwatching, and water sports.
  • Fujairah: Located on the eastern coast, Fujairah is known for its mountainous landscapes, diving spots, and heritage sites, like the historic Fujairah Fort.
  • Ras Al Khaimah: Known for its natural beauty and the adventure-friendly Jebel Jais mountains, Ras Al Khaimah is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and ziplining.

Activities and Events Planned for National Day

UAE National Day is filled with engaging events across the emirates, giving residents and tourists an unforgettable experience:

  • Fireworks: Watch breathtaking firework displays across major spots in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. Popular locations include the Burj Khalifa, Al Majaz Waterfront, and Yas Island, where the skies light up with vibrant colors to celebrate National Day.
  • Musical Events: Throughout the National Day weekend, expect concerts and performances by local and international artists. Traditional Emirati music and dance performances add to the cultural flair.
  • Parades: The annual parades are a spectacle of patriotism, with processions displaying Emirati culture, military marches, and decorative floats. Major parades take place in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, showcasing the nation’s unity and pride.

Huge Sales and Promotions

UAE National Day is a time of exciting shopping and dining offers. Retailers across malls in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates offer shopping discounts of up to 70% on popular brands, electronics, fashion, and luxury items. Restaurants join in with special dining offers and promotions, allowing residents and visitors to indulge in a wide variety of cuisines at reduced prices.

Best Time to Visit the UAE

The winter season, especially from November to March, is the best time to visit the UAE due to its mild weather. During this period, National Day festivities add a special touch to your trip. Planning your travel through the best visa consultant in Dubai makes the process easy, with assistance in acquiring a UAE visit visa and crafting an itinerary that captures the UAE’s best attractions.

Special Packages for UAE Residents

Many travel operators provide exclusive UAE National Day holiday packages for residents. These packages often include staycations at luxury hotels, theme park access, and desert safari excursions. The offers make it easier for residents to explore other emirates or experience local tourist attractions at discounted rates.

Conclusion

UAE National Day 2024 is a celebration that beautifully reflects the unity, pride, and achievements of the nation. Whether you’re a resident or planning to visit with a UAE visa, the festivities offer something memorable for everyone. With parades, fireworks, cultural events, and shopping deals, you’ll experience the UAE’s spirit of hospitality and joy firsthand.

UAE Visa 2023

UAE Extends Visit Visa Stay Options: Tourists Can Now Stay for an Extended Period of 30 Days.

Synopsis: Tourists with visit visas in the UAE can extend their stay for an additional 30 days, with a maximum extension period of 120 days. This change allows tourists to explore the country’s offerings, participate in numerous activities, and make the most of their visit to the UAE.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced new measures that would allow tourists holding a 30 or 60-day visit visa to extend their stay by an additional 30 days, up to a maximum of 120 days. The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) are implementing this change to give visitors more time to explore and enjoy the country’s unique offerings.

The UAE has been implementing substantial changes in its visa procedures since October of the previous year, marking one of the most significant residency and entry permit reforms introduced by the Immigration and Citizenship Programme (ICP). As part of these changes, the visit visa system has been improved in a number of ways. Individuals with a 30 or 60-day visit visa are now eligible for an additional 30-day stay, allowing them to extend their journey and experience more of what the UAE has to offer, according to the ICA website. A visit visa holder’s maximum extension length has been set at 120 days.

Tourists or visitors should contact the issuing travel agent or sponsor for more information on the visa extension process, required papers, costs, and any other pertinent facts. It is critical to begin this process well before the current visa’s expiration date to provide enough time for the extension to be handled smoothly.

The visitor’s passport is necessary for the extension, and more information can be received from the issuing agent. Depending on the travel agent handling the application, the extension process usually takes a few days after the appropriate paperwork is submitted. However, according to the ICP website, the time to perform the service after meeting the requirements is projected to be 48 hours.

Firose Khan, the operation manager of Arabian Business Centre, detailed the fees involved with visa extensions, stating that the fee for extending the visa for one month is Dh1,050. On their website, the GDRFA breaks down the charges, which include the visa extension fee of Dh600, as well as the value-added tax (5%). Additional fees include the Knowledge Dirham of Dh10, the Innovation Dirham of Dh10, and an internal fee of Dh500.

While the cost may vary according to the sponsored person’s circumstances or other considerations, the ICP website lists a Dh100 request fee, a Dh500 issuance fee, and other applicable expenses.

It is worth mentioning that, as stated on the website, applications for an extension of an entry permit for tourism should be made through tourism organizations. To avoid penalties or complications during the departure procedure, travel companies have recommended travelers to either leave the country before their visa expires or renew their visas.

This extension allows for greater flexibility in a variety of situations, including tourism, family visits, business meetings, and other personal affairs. Visitors can use this extra time to tour the UAE’s historic landmarks, go shopping, savor culinary delights, or simply relax in the UAE’s world-class hospitality.

Tourists can now extend their stay and make the most of their visit to the UAE, thanks to the UAE’s ongoing efforts to improve its visa system and deliver a more visitor-friendly atmosphere. The UAE remains committed to welcoming and accommodating visitors from all over the world, delivering a memorable and fulfilling experience.

UAE Visa 2023

UAE Implements New Visa Policy | 10-Day Grace Period for Tourist Visa Expiry Ends

Synopsis: The UAE has eliminated the 10-day grace period for travelers to leave after their visas expire. Overstaying visitors will be charged AED50 ($13.60) per day, plus exit permit fees. The new policy intends to enforce stricter visa regulations to avoid visa overstays in the country.

The UAE has canceled the 10-day grace period for travelers to depart the country once their visa expires, in a significant modification to visa restrictions. This new regulation includes strong penalties for overstaying, with the goal of enforcing timely visa compliance. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) will issue an official comment about this development soon.

Tourists previously enjoyed a 10-day grace period to leave the UAE without being fined for overstaying their visas. However, the updated restrictions now impose a daily fee of AED50 ($13.60) for anyone who overstay their visa validity term. Exit permit fees will also be charged in accordance with the new criteria. Travel agents and call center workers have already begun notifying customers about the changed visa requirements.

With the implementation of this new regulation, the length of stay for visitors will be precisely connected with the type of visa issued, whether it is 30 days or 60 days. Overstaying beyond the validity time of the visa will result in a daily penalty. To avoid any extra penalties, visitors and tourists must be aware of this change and schedule their departure accordingly.

The 10-day grace period for visas granted outside of Dubai was still in effect until recently. However, as of May 15, Dubai authorities removed the grace period, bringing the entire UAE in line with the amended visa regulations. This means that all visitors and tourists in the UAE must leave before their visas expire to avoid paying overstay penalties.

The decision to eliminate the grace period indicates the UAE’s commitment to improving its visa system and ensuring its immigration rules are followed. The UAE hopes to safeguard the integrity of its visa system while simplifying visa processing for visitors by adopting stricter measures.

The UAE continues to welcome tourists and travelers from all over the world, with a broad choice of attractions and experiences on offer. The UAE is a popular leisure and business travel destination, thanks to its gorgeous architecture and strong cultural history. By enacting these new visa requirements, the UAE demonstrates its commitment to maintaining the integrity of its immigration system while also providing tourists with a safe and comfortable environment.

For accurate and up-to-date information on visa requirements and restrictions, travelers are recommended to seek guidance from authorized travel agents, consult official government sources, or visit the official website of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship. The UAE’s decision to remove the grace period for visa overstays is a significant step towards aligning its visa regulations with international norms and reaffirming its commitment to effective immigration management.