Cracking Down on Visitors to Dubai?

Posted by: Stanley Reed on June 09

The United Arab Emirates, the federation that includes Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is looking to get tougher on visitors—a move that could reduce its attractiveness as a business destination. The National, the new English language Abu Dhabi-based newspaper, www.thenational.ae, reports today that as of Aug. 1 visitors will be confronted with an added level of security and required to pay as much as $136 for a visa. At the moment U.S. and many European nationals are admitted gratis.

What seems to be prompting the change is worry that undesirables are taking advantage of the UAE’s easy access. The National says that the authorities worry that “increasing numbers of criminals and beggars are entering the country.”

While such concerns are understandable, the UAE had better make sure that it doesn’t lose its competitive edge with business travelers and tourists. Immigration can already be a slow process at Dubai’s airport. A new layer, including lines to make payments for visas, could really gum up the process. Ease of access has been a key ingredient in Dubai’s success, and Abu Dhabi, Dubai’s larger and wealthier neighbor, is also trying to transform itself into a world class destination through multibillion dollar investments including local outposts of the Louvre and Guggenheim museums. If visiting the UAE becomes too expensive and cumbersome, these attractions may wind up being unthronged.