The United Arab Emirates is a place of modern wonders and rich cultural heritage, which makes it an ideal destination for tourists and travelers. Dubai’s Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, it is also the main and iconic attraction in the country as it offers a panoramic view of the city from observation decks.
Also included in the main attraction list is Dubai Mall, which houses a multitude of entertainment options including an indoor ice skating rink and the captivating Dubai Aquarium.
And these attractions are the reasons why tourism in UAE is thriving with strong performance in the year of 2024. The tourism sector in the United Arab Emirates has witnessed a massive wave of recovery and growth since January, highlighted by high-performance indicators in all aspects of the specific sector.
UAE’s Tourism Positive Performance
One of the indicators that the UAE’s tourism sector achieved positive performance is the growth rate of 27 percent in hotel revenues, reaching AED 32.2 billion during the period from January to September 2023. With the number of hotel guests reaching 20.2 million, marking a 12 percent growth compared to the same period in 2022.
Dubai was also crowned as the top global destination in the 2024 Travelers’ Choice Award by “TripAdvisor” which is the world’s largest travel platform, for the third consecutive year which is the first time the city has achieved such significant accomplishment. Winners of these awards are selected uniquely based on the independent reviews and opinions on various destinations, activities, and experiences offered.
Visitors of the United Arab Emirates have undeniably enjoyed their time in the country.
Revolutionizing Employment for Visit Visa Holders
But a specific proposal by Dr. Ali Humaid bin Khatem is going to bring massive changes in the tourism and the job market of the United Arab Emirates.
As we all know, hefty fines and other penalties apply on companies that hire visitors, therefore requiring them to get an employment visa and work permit issued before an individual starts working for them.
The advocate-general and head of Naturalisation and Residency Prosecution, Dr. Ali Humaid bin Khatem has recently suggested at The Entrepreneurship Makers Forum in Dubai that UAE visit visa holders should be allowed to work legally which contradicts the current law that states it is a criminal offense to work or employ an individual who is holding a visit visa.
This groundbreaking proposal could significantly alter the employment landscape in the country.
During the forum, Dr. Ali Humaid bin Khatem revealed a plan to establish a work permit system that authorizes employers to hire visit visa holders legally. This seeks to address the current legal restrictions that prevent visit visa holders from engaging in employment, and provides flexibility in the UAE’s job market and ensures that employment practices are in line with legal standards.
Bogus Emiratisation
One of the critical issues that Dr. Ali Humaid bin Khatem highlighted during “The Entrepreneurship Makers Forum” is the challenge of bogus Emiratisation, a method where UAE nationals are hired in nominal roles to meet the quotas of Emiratisation without being assigned to do substantive tasks. But with the proposal, new avenues will open for both employers and visitors that will completely transform the employment industry.
Supporting Entrepreneurships with Sustainable Development
Dr. Ali Humaid bin Khatem’s proposal is seen as a massive step towards creating a more supportive environment for youth initiatives and sustainable development for fostering entrepreneurship and acknowledging importance of content creators, robust legislation, and legal frameworks. This proposal underscores the indispensable significance of legal reforms, acknowledging their instrumental role in propelling the entrepreneurial landscape forward while championing the aspirations of emerging business leaders.