Waiving fees for rescheduling flights issued in the same travel class, and tourist visas extended for all nationalities for one month free of charge, Dubai is set to welcome visitors in 2021 in partnership with Emirates.

This year, in partnership with Emirates, Dubai is set to offer the visitors comfort by ensuring their safety and wellbeing during their extended stay. Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) and Emirates have collaborated to offer the existing travellers in Dubai an opportunity to extend their trip until 31st January 2021. With fees waived for rescheduling flights issued in the same travel class; and tourist visas extended for all nationalities for one month free of charge.

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) said, "The remarkable vision and leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai has been a huge inspiration to us, leading to the decisive and effective management of the pandemic. With 2021 on the horizon, we look forward to continuing to welcome first time and repeat visitors to Dubai, with stringent health protocols and precautionary measures firmly in place."

He further said, "We are pleased to continue to work closely with our strategic partners Emirates, as well as our hospitality partners, allowing holidaymakers to experience the vibrant energy of Dubai and all our iconic attractions, fantastic culinary and shopping experiences, and exciting festivals and events with added reassurance and flexibility."

Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates said, "Emirates has worked closely with all Dubai stakeholders to gradually restore our network and signature services, with all bio-safety measures in place. Since Dubai reopened for international visitors, we've seen an upward trend in enquiries and bookings, reflecting the confidence that travellers have in Dubai and Emirates.   Today, Emirates is flying to nearly 100 cities globally, providing easy access to Dubai for international travellers and offering a world class travel experience. With our strategic partner Dubai Tourism, we're extending that experience with even more attractive offers and travel flexibility and care assurance. We look forward to welcoming more visitors to Dubai in 2021."

Alexander Lee, Jumeirah Group's Chief Commercial Officer said, "The opening of Dubai in July 2020 to international visitors had an incredibly positive impact on Jumeirah's bookings from several overseas markets, a trend that has continued ever since. We are attributing this to the breadth of offer we have here in Dubai, particularly our 2km private beachfront with its extensive pool, dining and spa offering. And the certified health and safety measures in place, including Dubai Tourism's Dubai Assured programme. Six of our hotels in Dubai have furthermore received the prestigious Bureau Veritas Safeguard Label, which we believe has gone a long way to restore confidence for international travelers."

Lee added, "As we move into 2021, we are looking forward to welcoming more international guests to experience our renowned hospitality, in particular our culinary experiences. Such as French Riviera, our French Mediterranean concept on the beach at Jumeirah Al Qasr, and most recently SAL, a chic new beach concept and unique Southern European dining destination on The Terrace at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah."

Tim Kelly, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Atlantis Dubai said, "His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai's directive to extend tourist visas for one additional month without any government fees. This reflects the Dubai government's generous support to help tourists to spend a stress-free new year's holiday in Dubai."

"In line with Emirates' special January fares, and the events lined up by Dubai Tourism across the emirate, Atlantis is also unlocking a host of exclusive offers for guests staying five nights or more from 2nd January to 30th April 2021 with its January sale. These include an array of adventures for guests to start ticking off their bucket lists for 2021, with international guests also benefitting from complimentary in-resort PCR tests," Kelly added.

Mark Willis, Chief Executive Officer, Accor India, Turkey, Middle East & Africa said, "It is clear that 2020 has been a year of challenges for the tourism and hospitality industry. However, as it comes to an end, it is very encouraging to see some positive business levels during the past few months, especially in the Dubai market."

Speaking about the market trend, Willis further said, "With a portfolio of more than 45 hotels in the city, brands ranging from economy, with Ibis and Novotel, to luxury with Raffles and Fairmont, Accor properties in Dubai have seen a positive trend from local tourism with an increase in demand for "staycations", as well as a positive increase in stays from several regional and international visitors. The uptake in both of these markets has been mainly because of the vision, planning and quick implementation by the Dubai government. This has established Dubai on the map, even more than before, as a safe and secure destination for tourists to visit."

"We are confident that with the ongoing safety precautions, alongside a large number of events and attractions that will be taking place in 2021, Dubai will continue to see positive signs in the market. This will also enable us to continue to open more hotels throughout the year, including the Rixos Dubai Hotel & Suites Jewel of the Creek in Deira and the SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences to name a few," he concluded.

Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing is taking effective steps to reopen the city for tourists and observe stringent health and safety protocols.

Catch some rays in Dubai's beach  

The Dubai beaches are great spots to enjoy the winter sun with temperatures lying in the mid- 20s. Activities like windsurfing, kite surfing, bodyboarding, etc., are available there.

Go on a shopping spree

The 26th Dubai Shopping Festival is live till 30th January 2021. Guests can access malls and shopping destinations for enjoying live concerts, unique markets, art installations, and stage shows. Here, sales, promotions, and chances to win life-changing prizes are available with a backdrop of light and fireworks shows.  

Festivities await here

Operating on strict safety standards, Dubai has something for all. Comedian Jack Whitehall will perform at Dubai World Trade Centre on 13th and 14th January. Also, breakout artist Calum Scott will perform hits from his debut album 'Only Human' at Dubai Opera on 20th January. For the connoisseurs of art, culture, and literary enthusiasts, Alserkal Avenue and Emirates Airline Festival of Literature awaits, which will commence on 29th January 2021.

Virtual working is in

Replacing the recently set trend of work from home, Dubai has introduced the new virtual working programme. Entrepreneurs and flexible workers can extend their holiday and experience convenience in the lap of facilities and resources, which will aid in acing their career or business.

In 2021, Dubai has a lot in store for leisure visitors. Starting with new attractions, hotels, world-class events, and festivals, including Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai Food Festival, and in October 2021. Dubai will also host the first World Expo of this region this year.