Dubai and UAE hotels see longer stays from new short-term, freelance visas

Dubai and UAE hotels see longer stays from new short-term, freelance visas

Dubai: UAE's hotel operators are reaping the benefits of the liberal visa regime, which has seen the issue of short-term visas for those working remotely or on a freelance basis. There’s now even a job exploration visa, which allows professionals to seek opportunities here. The easing of entry-and-stay rules is encouraging many tourists to come and reside in Dubai and UAE for longer periods. This means hotels have a certain number of guests staying on longer at any point of time in a year. Rohit Vig, Vice-President Development, StayWell Holdings, which operates the Park Regis Boutique Hotel Jumeirah, said around 20-25 per cent of the occupancy during a year comes from expats visiting the city for work purposes – either for projects or to look for a job. “With the remote work visa which enables employees from all over the world to live and work for one year in addition to a multiple-entry tourist visa for all nationalities, we are expecting a rise in the long-stay occupancy,” said Vig. After a blockbuster first quarter where Dubai came out as No. 1 in occupancy, hotels now have their eyes on the upcoming Eid Al Adha holiday in July. StayWell properties are