In 10 years, all operations of Dubai International Airport will be transferred to Al Maktoum International
Now that Saudi Arabia has lifted its travel ban on the UAE, as well as Argentina and South Africa, travel agents are expecting a spike in demand, particularly among stranded travellers and those who wish to perform the religious pilgrimage of Umrah.
Though the restrictions were eased from Wednesday, agents and passengers are still waiting for a clear standard procedure from airlines and the Saudi civil aviation authority.
“The majority of the requirement we are currently receiving is for quarantine passengers, Indian residents of Saudi Arabia stranded in the South Asian country. Travellers, especially Indians, are now travelling in large numbers to the UAE to return to the kingdom especially since the travel regulations for those arriving into the Emirates have been relaxed,” said Raheesh Babu, group chief operating officer of online travel agency.
Currently, only Indians who have been fully vaccinated in Saudi Arabia can travel into the country, said Babu. “The number of people who have received both doses of the vaccine from Saudi Arabia is very few. Families who want to return to KSA find it better to undergo quarantine here in the UAE. Hotel accommodation is cheap, airline frequency is good, and there is no need for local quarantine as well,” he explained.
Then, once more details about the protocols are released, there will be a huge demand from pilgrims, Babu added. Business and leisure travel is also expected to be on the rise.
The relaxed restrictions also come as a relief for several families who have been separated for many months. Sabah Shereif, an accountant whose husband lives in Saudi Arabia, said: “I travelled to India with my son in March. We have been stuck here since. Now, I can travel to the UAE and return to my husband.”
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com
In 10 years, all operations of Dubai International Airport will be transferred to Al Maktoum International
The meeting saw the formation of four technical committees, one for roads and infrastructure, one for houses and properties, one for dams and water facilities, and one for energy and water
Distance learning also implemented due to nationwide transportation strike
For prospective investors, it is worth considering if a future home would be rain-resilient enough to sustain any weather changes
What happens if the employee fails to perform his duties due to circumstances beyond his control?
Formation of convective clouds and varying rainfall intensities suggests the possibility of heavy rain in certain areas
Who takes custody of kids under 18 if Muslim mother initiates divorce proceedings?
Temperature will reach up to 36ºC and 37ºC in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, respectively