Dubai received over 597,000 visitors from 197 countries during Eid Al-Fitr holiday, according to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

Major General Mohammed Al-Marri, director general of GDRFA-Dubai, said: “The department welcomed 597,652 visitors from 197 countries, whereas visitors from GCC countries reached 166,945 (28% of the total number of guests).”

Al-Marri highlighted GDRFA’s keenness to present a hassle-free, quality service to guests who chose Dubai as their favorite destination to spend the Eid holiday. He added that the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has directed the department to swiftly facilitate entry procedures for Dubai’s guests.

"During the Eid holiday, GDRFA employees at all entry points of the emirate were at their desks and did an outstanding job," said Al-Marri. "Everything went smoothly as anyone would expect from the quality of service government departments in Dubai offer," he added.

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai took extra care in Eid preparations and worked in full coordination with other government stakeholders to handle the expected surge in the number of visitors.

The main gate to the emirate for visitors calling in by air, the Dubai International Airport, has seen many enhancements in reception halls and procedures — an experience that is sure to leave a notable first impression.