JEDDAH, 3 June 2004 — Dubai is introducing the facility of obtaining a visa at a keystroke. The facility is being launched ahead of the annual Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) festival scheduled from June 17 to Aug. 27.
“GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) residents can click on the emirate’s Internet site, enter the required information and obtain a visa in advance using a credit card,” Lt. Col. Jassim Abdul Ghafour, assistant director of executive office, Dubai Naturalization and Residency Department, told a press conference at the Jeddah Hilton on Tuesday night. The visa fee is 100 dirhams for a stay of 13 days.
Those without credit cards can access the visa number and present it on arrival at the Dubai airport, Abdul Ghafour said.
DSS Chief Operations Officer Ibrahim Saleh said the organizers expected a 13-percent increase in visitors to the seventh DSS and 10th shopping festival that runs concurrently.
“The festival focuses primarily on uniting the Gulf societies, keeping Arabic/Islamic culture in perspective. These festivals play a pivotal role in building a safe community, truly representative of the people of the region.”
The shopping malls in Dubai fill their walkways and open spaces with activities and events for children, attracting entire families. The Children’s City will also showcase educational entertainment.
While the government departments take the lead in organizing the different theme weeks, 11 companies, in a public/private partnership arrangement provide the vital impetus by sponsoring the events.
Abdul Ghafour also announced the participation of Dubai e-Government and the Development Board Committee, which are part of the event for the first time.
