UAE authorities have introduced a multiple entry visa for businessmen, property investors and cruise passengers, a plan that has been under discussion for almost three years.

The previous visa process imposed financial burden as well as a lot of documentation procedures for the tourists of 32 nationalities who did not automatically receive visas on arrival.

The move, which will enhance the growth of cruise tourism at Mina Rashid, will allow multiple entry visit visas to the UAE for the first time.

Dubai serves as a home port for five of the world’s leading cruise lines including Costa Cruises, Aida Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, TUI Cruises and FTI Cruises. 

In addition, more than 20 world-class cruise lines have Dubai as a port of call in their international itinerary.

Dubai Cruise Terminals, managed and operated by DTCM for the Government of Dubai, catered for 396,500 cruise tourist who arrived from 108 ship calls in 2011.

This year, Dubai is expected to see a total of 420,000 cruise tourists in the emirate, positively impacting tourism growth and the economy.

Cruise tourism projections for 2013 are 125 cruise ships and 450,000 passengers with a further increase in 2014 with 135 and 475,000, respectively.