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Dubai’s ‘Heart of Europe’ Investors to Qualify for Moldovan Passport

With the recent announcement of the UAE government to grant permanent residency status to its residents who have significantly contributed to the country’s economy and fields of specialization, a new project now follows the government’s footsteps, but it offers a different kind of incentive. Dubai, in particular, has set its sights to become one of the top global cities, advancing its cause across various sectors and initiatives.

ALSO READ: UAE Announces Charges for New Long-term & Multiple-entry Visas

There are a number of construction projects going on in the UAE at the moment, as the economy expects immense growth through various sectors including tourism, agriculture, real estate, and construction among others.

Dubai Project Investors to be Granted Moldovan Citizenship

In line with this, individuals who have invested in a property worth more than AED 5 million in UAE developer Kleindienst Group’s Heart of Europe project this summer will automatically qualify for Moldovan citizenship, the company announced on Wednesday (June 5), as shared in a report by Arabian Business.

Those who would be granted Moldovan citizenship would be able to travel visa-free across the Schengen area and 121 countries around the world.

As per group founder and chairman Josef Kleindienst, surpassing client expectations through every element of their group’s offering is an essential part of their strategy. Kleindienst also acknowledged the need for creating outstanding value that surpasses high-quality structures and innovative builds.

He added that as the demand for nationality by investment continues to grow globally, especially among residents in the Middle East and Asia who are looking for more stability and security than their current passports offer, the additional perk will prove to be of great value to the investors.

In April, Kleindienst Group announced a record sales quarter of over AED 345 million ($93.9 million) for its freehold second homes. This shows a 69% year on year increase compared to its Q1 sales record from last year, the developer pointed out.

By late December of 2018, Kleindienst said it has sold 100 percent of phase one including Sweden Island, Germany Island, St Petersburg Island, and over 80 Floating Seahorse Villas.

With over 2,000 people working on the islands, Kleindienst projected to hand over phase 1 by the end of of this year, as per the announcement.

Having this kind of incentive will provide Dubai residents opportunities to travel across Europe, as a Moldovan passport gives them access to over 100 Schengen-member countries. This is most suitable for investors with much business activities across a wide network of clients all over the world.

ALSO READ: UAE Rolls Out Permanent Residency Status to High-Profile Expats

UAE Announces Charges for New Long-term & Multiple-entry Visas

UAE Announces Charges for New Long-term and Multiple-Entry Visas

As the UAE government has recently announced, permanent residency status can now be availed by certain expat groups, as part of the government’s initiatives to open the country’s economy to foreign nationals with highly specialized skills and talents that would benefit the economy and society in the long run.

With the new residency status now ready for the taking, many expats have been on the lookout for updates regarding the visa that would accommodate for this change. Expats mainly have been eyeing the costs for these visas, because those eligible to apply may bring their family with them during their stay in the country for the long term.

UAE Government Rolls Out New Long-Term Visa Costs

As mentioned, long-term residency visas with 10-year validity, which have been rolled out earlier this year, can now be obtained for as low as AED 1,150, the UAE government announced on Sunday (May 26), as shared in a report by the Gulf News.

Based on the eligibility requirements announced earlier, investors in public investment or senior professionals working with the investors, as well as exceptional talents and researchers in various domains, qualify for the 10-year visas.

Investors and professionals who fall under the approved categories can apply to issue or renew the 10-year visa for AED 1,150 (AED 150 for the application and AED 1,000 for issuance). Family members of the applicants can also avail long-term visas at the same cost.

Just last week, two Indian business leaders based in the UAE became the first Indian expats to receive 10-year UAE resident visas.

Vasu Shroff, chairman of the Regal Group of Companies, and Khushi Khatwani, managing director of the Khushi Group of Companies and Al Nisr Cinema Film, were the first Indian expats to benefit from the long-term visa scheme, as well as their families.

In an interview with Gulf News, Vasu Shroff shared that the visa charges are affordable compared to other developed countries.

He noted that he paid a total amount of AED 1,350 for each visa, and this includes service charges. The amount was very affordable for any 10-year visa. Shroff pointed out that the multi-entry visa in the UK costs at least AED 5,000. Noting how this will greatly benefit expats who have been living in the UAE for a long time already, Shroff thanked the government and commended its initiative to retain and attract investors, which makes their lives easier and hassle-free in the UAE.

The 10-year visa scheme was launched back in January and some Arab scientists and experts in the medical field were the first ones to receive it.

ALSO READ: How to Apply for a Spousal Visa in the UAE

How to Apply for a Spousal Visa in the UAE

The UAE, throughout the years, has seen an immense growth and development in its societal policies and projects. It is for this reason that the country has become one of the best destinations for work and residency among expats.

ALSO READ: [GUIDE] Sponsoring Parents (Residence Visa for Father/Mother) in UAE

And as the government continues to push for better legislation and immigration policies for its residents, expats have always left their doors open to the possibility of bringing their family in the country. However, in order to do so, it’s important that we take note of the process to accomplish this feat.

Guide to Applying for a Spousal Visa in the UAE

There are various types of visa which you can apply for each of your family members from your parents, children, and then your spouse. In this post, we will share the list of requirements, qualifications, and steps you need to undertake to obtain a visa for your spouse (husband/wife) to enter the UAE:

Firstly, let’s take a look at the qualifications for a sponsor to bring their spouse in the country:

Husband Sponsoring His Wife: The sponsor must have a salary of at least AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 with accommodation allowance from his company).
Wife Sponsoring Her Husband: The wife must be categorized under any of the following professions: doctor, engineer, or teacher. The wife’s salary must also be at least AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 with accommodation allowance from her company). However, if the woman does not meet all the requirements (i.e. different profession), she may make a petition to the committee. In such cases, the wife’s salary must be at least AED 10,000 (or AED 8,000 with accommodation allowance from her company).

Note: Please be guided, however, that this situation is handled on a case to case basis. What’s important though is to submit all proper documents and requirements in order to get a better chance of having your visa application approved.

Requirements:

Visa Application Form (filled out at the Amer Centre)
Salary Certificate (must be in Arabic)
Marriage Certificate (must be verified by MOFA – Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Tenancy Contract (verified by Ejari)
Latest DEWA Bill
University Diploma of Sponsor (attested)
Photocopy of Sponsor’s Passport
Photocopy of Dependent’s (Spouse) Passport
Cancelled Visa Page of Dependent (if already in the UAE and has previous visa)
Passport Photos of Sponsor

Procedures:

Fill out the Visa Application Form at the Amer Centre.
Submit all requirements at the Amer Centre.
Pay the application and other necessary fees. Upon settling your payment, you will be issued a temporary residence permit (red paper). This permit, as it is only temporary, will expire within a certain time period. During this time, be sure to complete all other requirements for your stay in the country.
Undergo a medical exam. The test will be conducted by a DHA clinic. You just need to provide the documents issued at the Amer Centre and hope that the results of the tests (blood test and chest X-Ray) are all clear. Results are typically released after two business days.
File a Change of Status Application. You can request for the Change of Status and the permanent residence visa stamp at the Amer Centre, as well.
Apply for an Emirates ID. This is also done at the Amer Centre by just paying the service fees needed.
Have your passport stamped with the permanent residence visa. Again, simply settle the required fees for this procedure at the Amer Centre.

Remember, fees for each step may vary from one place to another but at least prepare an average of AED 500 for each procedure listed above. At the minimum, your budget should be around AED 3,000 to 4,000 when getting a spousal visa in the UAE.

ALSO READ: UAE Rolls Out Permanent Residency Status to High-Profile Expats

UAE Rolls Out Permanent Residency Status to High-Profile Expats

The UAE, for this year, has launched its theme, “Year of Tolerance” which promotes unity in cultural diversity, considering its high expat population, which for the longest time has truly benefited its economy and progressive society in general.

ALSO READ: Sponsoring Parents (Residence Visa for Father/Mother) in UAE

And when talks about tolerance are brought up on the table, the importance of inclusion and equality also surfaces. And for the longest time, the Middle East has been a great work destination for expats, but nothing more than that because of the lack of opportunity to avail permanent residency. However, this is going to change, particularly in the United Arab Emirates.

Credits: WAM

UAE Permanent Residency Now Available to Investors, Businessmen, Specialized Talents

With the announcement of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, regarding the new ‘Golden Card’ scheme granting residency to investors, businessmen, and other high-profile residents, a welcome boost to the UAE’s increasing economy is to be expected, as shared in a report by the Khaleej Times.

This development is believed to attract existing businessmen, entrepreneurs, and highly-skilled and qualified professionals and students, to convert their status and obtain the Golden Card.

According to Osama Al Rahma, CEO of Al Fardan Exchange and vice-chairman of Foreign Exchange and Remittance Group (FERG), the permanent residency (PR) scheme is a first in the country, and will be very encouraging for the expat community and will reinforce their confidence in the country’s governance and economy.

@uaegov: The UAE launches the permanent residency system “Golden Card” for expats investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talents and researchers to be a part of the UAE’s success story. pic.twitter.com/9ODga7HexK

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 21, 2019

The announcement can be seen as a very progressive change for the country, benefiting resident investors, particularly those who have been in the country for a long time, as they are now able to enjoy greater security and stability of doing business in the UAE.

“Through this initiative, investors will be able to plan long-term strategies for their businesses and invest more in existing businesses, thus allowing capital to remain within the UAE,” explained Al Rahma.

The creation of the new residency status is considered a win-win situation for qualified expats and the UAE government, as the country gets to retain a high quality pool of talents, and benefit from their contributions at the same time.

ALSO READ: [Guide] Cancelling a Residence Visa in UAE

Employment Contracts in the UAE

For those curious about working in the UAE, it pays to know about employment contracts as these are some of the first things that you will have to deal with even before you begin your actual work in the country.

ALSO READ: 9 Things to Know Before Accepting a Job Offer in the UAE

Understanding your contract’s provisions, terms, and benefits can help you enjoy a stable and fulfilling job experience in the country. Therefore, it is a must for all jobseekers to thoroughly read and understand their contracts, especially since job offers in the UAE usually last for up to 3 years for full-time employees.

What You Need to Know About Employment Contracts in UAE

To clarify some (if not all) grey lines regarding employment contracts in the UAE, we will share with you some basic information that you need to know as you begin your journey working in the UAE.

As in anywhere the world, job openings are classified as either in the public or private sector. Do note that each has its own sub-categories of employment contracts:

Public Sector Jobs

Employment contracts in this sector are authorized by Cabinet Decision No. 13 of 2012, in relation to the Executive Rules for Decree under Law No. 11 of 2008. As per Articles 9 to 16 of the decision, the different types of contracts in the public sector include:

Full-Time Employment Contract. In this type of contact, the employee puts in full working days or hours, wherein the employee receives their total salary, allowances, and benefits that come with the job.
Part-Time Employment Contract. The employee under this type of contract only puts in limited hours per working day. They receive their salary, allowances, and benefits based on the number of hours they put in at work.
Temporary Contract. Under this type of contract, the employee puts in full working days or hours for three months, and receives the corresponding salary and allowances for their work, as determined by the contract. The contract may be renewed (extended) for a similar amount of time.
Special Contract. A minister may appoint an employee for a high-profile position in the ministry or an agency. The salary and allowances to be provided are determined based on the ministry’s budget and needs. However, these benefits should not exceed the maximum amount set by the Ministry of Finance, as approved by the Cabinet. This type of contract is valid for up to two years, renewable for the up to the same amount of time.

Private Sector Jobs

As per UAE Labour Law No. 8 of 1980, the two types of private sector employment contacts are:

Limited (Fixed-term) Contract. This type of contract is binds the employee under a specific employment period, as determined by a start and end date. This type of contract typically lasts for 2 to 3 years, which may be renewed, depending on the employer’s need for certain services. The contract also includes a notice of termination.

Unlimited Term Contract. In contrast to the fixed contract, this type of contract does not bind an employee under a specific period of employment. Either the employee or employer may terminate the contract, provided that a written notice is submitted between one to three months prior to termination of the contract and that both parties follow proper procedures. Otherwise, the erring party could be held liable to the law.

ALSO READ: UAE Gov’t to Offer Special Residency Visas for Entrepreneurs

Disclaimer: This article was written for the purpose of information-sharing only. If you have specific concerns and inquiries regarding your employment contract, you may visit the Ministry of Human Resource & Emiratisation (MoHRE) website.

[Guide] Cancelling a Residence Visa in UAE

For those who are planning or have already worked in the UAE, you would know that one of the basic documents that you need to obtain is a residence visa. This document is also issued to a family member or dependent, which a UAE resident (expat) must sponsor or apply for. This type of visa is valid for two to three years, and is renewable for as long as the sponsor is able to work in the country.

ALSO READ: UAE Gov’t to Offer Special Residency Visas for Entrepreneurs

However, for those who have no intentions of working or staying in the country any longer, they will be required to officially cancel their residence visa. In practice, this is usually done by the resident’s employer or sponsor, but if you’re going through this process anyway, it’s also a good thing to understand how the process is being carried out.

An Expat’s Guide to Residence Visa Cancellation in UAE

In this post we will share some tips and the basic guidelines on what you need to provide or do to facilitate the cancellation of your residence visa. Here’s how:

As mentioned, the employer or the sponsor typically handles this process. They start by filing cancellation papers for the worker’s labour contract and labour card at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). For this process, the employee will be asked to sign the application documents.

Also, the employee or sponsor will also file for the cancellation of the employee’s work permit. This basically involves submitting a letter indicating that the employee has been given all his/her wages and end-of-service (gratuity) pay. Similarly, this will require the employee’s signature for confirmation.

The employer will then have to proceed to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), which will process the visa cancellation of the foreign resident. Ideally, this procedure should be carried out by the same GDRFA office that stamped the residence visa at the start.

Meanwhile, for those with dependents – a sponsored parent, spouse, or children – they will need to first cancel their dependents’ visa/s before cancelling their own.

Requirements:

Cancellation form signed by the sponsor
Original passport of the sponsored applicant
Original identity card of the sponsored applicant

Note: If the sponsor is a company, the form should be signed and sealed bearing the company stamp. Also, the clearance certificate of the company issued by MoHRE should be attached, as well.

If the sponsored person is currently based outside of the UAE, the sponsor may present the original passport or a computerized extract of the applicant’s residence visa, which may be requested from the Naturalisation and Residency Department.

Procedures:

1^st Method: Amer Centres – The sponsor goes to any Amer Centre in the city, which will file the cancellation form and process it online through the respective GDFRA.

2^nd Method: Online – The sponsor can directly file the visa cancellation online via the respective GDFRA or Ministry of Interior platform. For example, those based in Dubai can file their application through the GDFRA Dubai website.

Duration and Cancellation Charges

Once all the necessary documents are provided, the process could be completed for up to a day or less. The fee for residence visa cancellation is AED 110.

Final Note:

After your residence visa has been officially cancelled, you will be given a 30-day grace period to exit the country or reapply for another residence visa (in case you change your mind). During this process, do note that your Emirates Identity Card will also be cancelled and should be surrendered to respective authorities.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this article was published for the purpose of information-sharing only. To know more about the latest updates, procedures, and fees in cancelling residence visas, you may visit the official website of the Ministry of Interior or GDRFA Dubai.

ALSO READ: [GUIDE] Sponsoring Parents (Residence Visa for Father/Mother) in UAE

UAE Gov’t to Offer Special Residency Visas for Entrepreneurs

Gov’t Plans to Offer Special Residency Visas for Entrepreneurs

Foreign labour has always been integral to the journey of the UAE up to the point to where it is now, and the government has always acknowledged that. Because what the country lacked for in specialized manpower, they look for in expats and pay them well.

ALSO READ: [GUIDE] Sponsoring Parents (Residence Visa for Father/Mother) in UAE

And in line with doing business in the country, the government is still looking for new ways to attract people of high economic and social value, which include businessmen, investors, as well as entrepreneurs.

UAE to Introduce 5-Year Residency Visas for Entrepreneurs

In line with this, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship has laid out its plans to implement the UAE Cabinet’s decision to issue five-year residency visas for entrepreneurs, as shared in a report by Arabian Business.

The decision is still aligned with the national government’s vision to improve the conditions for ease of doing business in the GCC state.

For this initiative, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship will be in charge of issuing the residency visas, while HUB71 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai Future Foundation’s Area 2071 in Dubai will scout eligible entrepreneurs to receive such benefits under the programme.

According to Dr. Mohammed Rashid Al Hamli, secretary-general of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the initiative comes at a time when the UAE has become a prime destination for professionals who are looking for exceptional opportunities outside their countries.

Al Hamli committed his support in establishing close integration between various government entities and the private sector to promote pro-business government policies and development programmes.

He added that the latest initiative set up by the government will create a positive effect on the economy and further solidify the country’s position as a global business hub.

Based on the standard guidelines for the initiative, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship and HUB71 will develop strategies and plans to attract entrepreneurs into doing business in Abu Dhabi.

For his part, Khalfan Juma Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), explained that entrepreneurs and their families will be provided with a five-year renewable residency visa. This will be a personal visa, which will help ensure the independence of the entrepreneur and promote a pro-business environment.

To become eligible for this special visa, the following requirements must be met by an entrepreneur:

A former business that is worth a minimum of AED 500,000; or
Has the approval of an accredited business incubator in the country
Must have their own insurance coverage and for their entire family for the duration of their residency.

Furthermore, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship can also grant a five-year visa to three executive directors working for the entrepreneur, on the condition that they commit to working exclusively for the entrepreneur during the period of the visa.

Likewise, entrepreneurs will be allowed entry into the country on a six-month multi-entry visa as part of support provided to them to complete procedures to set up their business.

ALSO READ: 12 Things to Know Before Working in UAE

[GUIDE] Sponsoring Parents (Residence Visa for Father/Mother) in UAE

Foreign nationals who are planning to bring their mother, father, or both in the UAE need to understand the process and requirements for application prior to getting them their tickets or hotel bookings.

ALSO READ: 12 Things to Know Before Working in UAE

Just like when applying for work, getting a residence visa for parents is just as important for those visiting the country under a sponsor’s name. This is necessary to thwart attempts of illegally bringing in people into the country, and to safeguard the country’s social system.

What You Need to Know About Sponsoring Parents in UAE

In line with this, it’s important to understand that there has been an update regarding the process for applying for visas. Back then, applications can only be completed by coursing them through Typing Centres. But as of November 2017, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDFRA) has replaced all 600 typing centres in the country with 50 Amer centres, a one-stop shop which allows residents to complete all visa and residency transactions under one roof.

Qualifications

To start off, here are the eligibility requirements for the sponsor when applying for a visa for their parent/s:

Minimum salary of AED 20,000
Minimum of a 2-bed room flat (for which the tenancy contract must be under the sponsor’s name)

These qualifications will reflect your capacity to financially support either or both of your parents for their stay in the UAE.

Requirements

Application Form (issued on site)
Tenancy Contract of Sponsor (attested by Ejari)
Emirates ID of Sponsor
Certificate of Salary of Sponsor
A letter of confirmation from your Consulate (an affidavit mentioning that the sponsor will support and is able to sponsor their parent/s in the UAE)
Bank statement with stamp (must cover at least 3 months)
DEWA Bill
IBAN number
Passport Copy and Visa Page of Sponsor
A photocopy of the parent’s passport
Passport-size photo of the parent/s

Procedure/s:

Visit any of the Amer Centres located all over the country and provide all the necessary documents listed above.
Pay the processing fee for the residence visa (AED 440).
Wait for an SMS notification from the DNRD.
Pay the deposit (AED 5,000). Shortly after the parent visa has been approved, you may then prepare booking a flight for the parent to the UAE.
Have the sponsored (parent) undergo a medical exam upon arrival in the UAE. The medical exam fee and service processing fee cost AED 530, and the process will usually be completed within 48 hours.
Apply for Visa Sticker Stamping. Upon approval and issuance of your visa application, the next thing to do is to apply for visa stamping. You will need to present the following requirements for the stamping of your visa:
1. Original entry visa of parent
2. Passport of parent
3. Emirates ID application document
4. Medical Test Result (sent via e-mail)
5. Processing fee (AED 390 – urgent processing, AED 310 – regular processing)
Have your parent’s passport stamped by an officer at the Amer Centre.

After being granted a residency permit for your parent, which would allow them to stay in the UAE for up to a year, you will then need to apply them for an Emirates ID as well as health insurance for the duration of their stay in the country. You can easily do this at any Amer Centre nearest your place of residence or work.

Disclaimer: This article serves as an information guide only. Should you have any specific and individual queries, you may reach out to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) for services or concerns they may be of particular help to you.

ALSO READ: 9 Things to Know Before Accepting a Job Offer in the UAE

[Guide] Shopping Festivals in Dubai

There’s no question that Dubai has already established itself as a go-to shopping destination of shoppers in the country as well as in the region. With the retail industry cementing itself as a cultural part of the Dubai travel experience, there’s no doubt that a large selection of brands can be found in the emirate, along with unique local items of high quality and value such as perfumes, gold, and carpets.

ALSO READ: 6 Things to Know when Visiting the Middle East

But even though we know there’re plenty of things we can buy in Dubai, where exactly do we look? Or when should we travel to the emirate if we’re coming from a different emirate or country for that matter?

A Guide to Dubai’s 3 Biggest Shopping Festivals

In this post, we will share some tips and basic information about the biggest shopping festivals held in Dubai, so you can maximize your shopping experience when visiting the emirate.

Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF)

If you’re visiting during the winter, you will find huge discounts and a wide selection of products on sale in shops around January. The DSF is a mega shopping event held in the emirate annually, where various shops participate in and offer extravagant prizes, such as luxury vehicles like Infiniti and Bentley cars, real estate apartments, cash prizes, and gold!

Other than your retail therapy, coming out for the DSF with the kids will be a treat because here you will also find the DSF carnival, where parks transform into outdoor entertainment stages for theatres and plays, enticing thousands of people to go out and bask in the nice weather during this time of the year.

Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS)

During summer in the UAE or sometime in July, people don’t usually go out because of the intense hot weather, which could reach up to 49 degrees at times. And just around after Ramadan, the Dubai Summer Sale takes place, where establishments design ways to get people to spend their time across various shopping complexes all over Dubai.

For one, seeing Modhesh (the DSS worm mascot) usually signals the beginning of summer in Dubai. This means that people can start heading over to the shopping centres in the city and find out what stores have to offer for the season.

Alternatively, you can also go to the World Trade Center for the Modhesh World – a fun and interactive fun fair for children and those young at heart. Expect competitions, fun rides, educational activities, parades, stage shows, and a food fest, among others.

GITEX Shopper

Aside from retail sales, there are also special kinds of shopping festivals in the emirate, one of which is the GITEX (Gulf Information Technology Festival), which is the great IT sale in Dubai. From gadgets, consumer electronics to all things related to IT, there are plenty of huge discounts and promotions for almost all kinds of tech merchandises.

And for those who wish to get an upgrade for their TV, laptop, smartphone, tablet, home appliances, etc. – this is the place to be. Residents of Dubai can even hold off their tech purchases up until this time, when various shops would put their items on huge discounts and promos, like getting a free 50” TV for a smartphone purchase, or a free tablet when you buy a laptop.

While almost every gadget shop in the emirate offers GITEX promos, the best deals can be sought in the culminating area at the Dubai World Trade Centre, but expect to brave through waves of large crowds on site.

Where these kinds of events are hosted, industries other than retail such as F&B, tourism, as well as services are sure to benefit the most. This means that there are more for the entire family to enjoy when shopping in Dubai!

ALSO READ: Ticket Prices for Expo 2020 Dubai Announced

Ticket Prices for Expo 2020 Dubai Announced

With massive preparations underway for the upcoming global event in the Middle East – Expo 2020 Dubai — international spectators and guests are looking out for updates regarding participants, activities, promotions, as well ticket sales and prices, among others.

ALSO READ: 6 Things to Know when Visiting the Middle East

Being the first event of its kind in the Middle East, organisers are raring to showcase what every participating country can offer to the global market. Also, as businesses and governments are expected to send delegates to the event, we can expect a fully loaded programme for a total of 173 days starting October 20, 2020.

Expo 2020 Dubai Announces Ticket Prices, Sale Dates

Expo 2020 Dubai has announced the ticket prices for the global event, with a one-day pass priced at AED 120, while a 3-day pass is priced at AED 260, as shared in a report by the Khaleej Times.

Organisers revealed the ticket prices at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM 2019) exhibition in Dubai. Adults or guests 18 years old and above can purchase a one-day ticket priced at AED 120, while a three-day ticket, which can be used on any three days within the 173-day period at the Expo, will be priced at AED 260.

Each ticket will entitle its holder access to comprehensive international experience, which includes 60 live shows a day, future-shaping tech innovations, performances from world-renowned artists, daily parades, cutting-edge architecture, special celebrations, and more than 200 F&B outlets serving a plethora of cuisines from around the world.

Single-day and three-day tickets will be offered to international travellers in bundles to be sold by Authorised Ticket Resellers, contracted with Expo 2020 starting next month. These tickets will be put on sale for the public starting April 2020, although visitors will be able to purchase monthly and season passes directly from the Expo around Q4 of 2019. Further details will be announced by the organisers as the event date draws closer.

There will be a wide range of discounts, which include free access for children aged five and under, and seniors aged 65 and over. Youth aged six to 17 and students of any age may avail a 50% discount on tickets, while people of determination will be given complimentary access, and their carers may accompany them for tickets half the price.

The Expo School Programme will also offer specially curated trips for school students of all ages and provide them with information on the Expo sub-themes.

The event will focus on the three Thematic Districts, which will touch on the Expo’s subthemes of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability, as well as the 192 Country Pavilions on site.

Throughout the duration of the event, there will also be site-wide observances of special days in the UAE which include Diwali, UAE National Day, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year, and International Women’s Day.

To know more about Expo 2020 Dubai, be sure to check out their official page.