Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi’s decision to offer complimentary UAE entry visas to eligible Indian tourists has already prompted enquiries from travellers planning holidays in the emirate, according to travel industry professionals.
Zaim Muhammad, a Dubai-based travel consultant and former hotelier, said he had received calls as soon as the initiative was announced, including requests from travel agent colleagues in India seeking information about the offer.
“It’s a great initiative from the government of Abu Dhabi, especially to boost tourism,” Muhammad said, adding that targeting the Indian market could further support visitor growth.
Komal Shandil, head of leisure and strategic partnerships for the GCC at Go Kite Travels and Tours LLC, said the company had also received enquiries, particularly from travellers seeking clarification on eligibility and planning trips around upcoming long weekends in August and September.
“We expect this initiative to translate into additional Abu Dhabi bookings over the coming weeks, particularly for short, value-driven holiday packages,” Shandil said.
The initiative offers complimentary UAE entry visas to eligible Indian tourists who book qualifying Abu Dhabi holidays through participating travel partners or online travel agencies.
Travellers must have a return flight from India and stay at least three consecutive nights in an Abu Dhabi hotel. The programme runs until October 31, with up to 20,000 visas available.
The move comes as Indian tourism to Abu Dhabi continues to expand. India was the emirate’s largest international source market for hotel guests in 2025, with 436,000 recorded, up 22% from the previous year.
Shandil said that when choosing a UAE holiday, Indian travellers typically consider value for money, safety, family-friendly experiences, air connectivity and flexible travel dates.
Demand is coming not only from major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai, but also from Ahmedabad, Pune and Kochi, she said. Families, couples and small groups are primarily seeking three- to four-night packages at competitive prices.
Muhammad said connectivity remained a key factor driving Indian demand, with direct flights from several major Indian cities to the UAE.
He also said Abu Dhabi had increasingly emerged as a destination in its own right, alongside Dubai, as the emirate added new attractions and tourism experiences.
“Dubai is always in the limelight ... But Abu Dhabi has introduced new attractions as well… so that has been a key component in increasing the tourist interest in the UAE capital,” he added.
