Travellers from the UAE continue to favour Europe as a holiday destination, while the US is the second-most popular place for holidaymakers.
Some of Europe's most sought-after destinations for UAE visitors are Spain, Greece, Germany, Italy, France, Portugal and Switzerland, a report from Dubai-based visa and residency services company The Visa Services found.
Trips to Europe so far this year have accounted for 65 per cent of all travel requests to The Visa Services, with seven out of 10 being for family travel. The US accounts for 25 per cent of all travel requests, with 15 per cent for countries in Asia-Pacific, including Singapore, Australia and China.
Echoing these trends, Schengen visa applications from UAE residents were up 20 per cent year on year during the second quarter of 2024, and the number of completed applications for visas has tripled in the past year.
“The UAE has a very diverse population and other than Emiratis, most nationalities require visas to enter Schengen countries and the US,” Anastasia Yanchenko, commercial director of The Visa Services, told The National in an exclusive interview.
The Schengen visa permits travel across 27 European countries and it is Russians who lead the way when it comes to applications. “Our data indicates that Russians comprise the largest applicant group at 35 per cent, followed by Indians (at 23 per cent), Filipinos (16 per cent), Egyptians (7 per cent), Jordanians (6 per cent) and South Africans,” said Yanchenko.
This summer there has also been a shift in visa trends, with more multiple-entry visas being issued than in previous years.
“In 2023, 74 per cent of visas issued were for single-entry travel only, with 21 per cent for three to six months' multiple entry,” said Yanchenko. “In 2024, the trend has shifted, with 45 per cent of visas issued for three to six months and 30 per cent of approved visas exceeding a year.”
This rise in visa applications comes despite a recent rise in costs for short-stay Schengen visa fees. These now cost €90 (Dh359, $98), up from €80 last year. And while increased costs do not seem to be a barrier for UAE travellers, the same cannot be said for securing an application appointment.
There is currently an increased waiting time for Schengen visa appointments in the UAE. These services are handled by VFS Global and BLS International, but neither company controls the processing times.
"VFS Global does not control appointment availability or processing timelines or decision making," said Monaz Bilimoria, regional head of VFS Global. "These are governed and controlled by our client governments. The availability of visa appointments and the decision-making are entirely at the discretion of the respective governments. VFS Global has no role whatsoever, neither does VFS Global have any visibility in the outcome of the decision-making process."
The current backlog of appointments is down to several interconnected reasons, including an accumulation of applicants who had previously been issued shorter-duration visas and are now reapplying for new visas, plus a seasonal surge in travel demand.
“In 2024, the demand seems to have been even higher, especially during the summer months, when people combine their vacations with attending events like Taylor Swift concerts, Euro 2024, or the Summer Olympics. This leads to an unprecedented influx of applications to visa centres in one wave,” said Yanchenko.
Limited consular resources and complex application processes also contribute to the waiting lists.
“This year, Schengen visas for several passports and countries began to be issued for a longer period than in 2023 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Plus, there are some countries, such as Switzerland, Greece and the Netherlands, where the average Schengen issuance period is currently 30 per cent longer than in others.”
Even when travellers do apply in plenty of time and have all the correct documentation, not all requests will be granted. Data from The Visa Services shows the rejection rate for UAE residents seeking Schengen visas in 2023 was 22.44 per cent. Reasons for rejection can vary, from incorrect documentation to previous travel history or simple bad timing.
“Schengen countries have certain quotas – the number of visas that can be issued in a certain period – thus, even with impeccable documents, travellers may simply not fall within the quota and receive a rejection.”
When travellers receive a rejection, they are notified in writing, with an explanation. “However, practice shows that the reasons provided are not always aligned with the actual ones, and it is hard to identify what is behind the decision of a particular visa officer without extensive experience,” said Yanchenko.
Top tips for applying for a Schengen visa from the UAE
Once travellers have verified their eligibility to apply for a Schengen visa, there are several steps that can be taken to assist application success.
Apply early
Applicants in the UAE can apply for Schengen visas up to six months before they plan to travel, with the advised minimum time period for application being 15 days before proposed date of travel. However, applying so close to the travel date will not guarantee that the visa will be processed in time, as this depends on both the applicant information and the country processing the application.
“While most Schengen visas are processed within 15 calendar or working days, some countries may take up to 45 days,” said Yanchenko.
Ensure documents are correct
In addition to completing a Schengen visa application form, applicants need a recent photograph, a valid passport, travel medical insurance, proof of residence and documents corroborating the purpose of travel and specifics of each stay.
Photographs need to be taken against a light background, without any dark glasses or garments covering the face. Children’s photographs must not show any part of an adult holding them in position. The size of the photograph depends on the country of application.
Passports need to be valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure date from the Schengen territory and also need to have at least two blank pages. Passports that were issued more than 10 years ago are not accepted, so these travellers would need to apply for a new one before applying for a visa.
Insurance specifics matter – policies must cover costs of repatriation for medical reasons or death, as well as urgent health care and emergency hospital treatment. Coverage must be for at least €30,000 or equivalent in the local currency.
Explain confusing matters
“It's beneficial to explain points that may be confusing for the visa officer,” says Yanchenko. Don’t gloss over anything in your history that might be confusing and hope that it doesn’t get picked up on. Instead, explain the situation so that visa officers have all the information they need to understand it.
Highlight your travel history
Travel history matters and may affect applications positively, making it stronger – especially previous visas and trips to countries like the US, the UK, Japan, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. “Schengen officers prioritise previous European visas and trips, above all, it is important not to have overstayed.”
Show you’ll be going home
“Providing extensive guarantees of return to your home country is crucial for a successful application,” says Yanchenko.
Documents that can help include return flight tickets, an employment contract in your home country, marriage certificates if you are travelling without your spouse, a certificate of ownership of a home.
What time of year is best to apply?
The UAE typically has two peak seasons for Schengen visa applications, the first from April to May for summer travel and the second in October and November for winter travel. For faster processing times, its best to apply outside of these months.
“Travellers can apply for a Schengen visa now and travel in the winter. There’s a 180-day window between application and entry. This is our lifehack for those who want to save money and avoid long queues at visa centres,” adds Yanchenko.
Can I appeal a rejected Schengen application?
Travellers have the right to appeal a rejection visa decision and instructions on how to do this are included in letters of refusal. Typically, appeals need to be made within 15-30 days of receiving a rejection letter, and a fee may apply. The appeal process typically takes 60 days, although this is country dependent.
Travellers can also opt to apply for a new Schengen visa, which is often a better option if any of the original application details have changed.
What is the average waiting time for approval?
Most Schengen countries process visas within two weeks. However, some countries can take up to 45 working days, or even longer depending on circumstances.
Can external companies help application success?
Using the services of a company like The Visa Services won’t guarantee that an application is approved, however it can save time and effort. Companies are easier able to find available appointment slots and can typically schedule an appointment within four to seven days. They will also check and prepare your documents for submission to ensure nothing is missing.
Travellers also need to beware of scammers. "Visa applicants are advised to beware of fraudulent entities who charge fees from customers for scheduling appointments or providing any other services using VFS Global’s name or independently. VFS Global does not charge any fee for booking appointments," confirmed Bilimoria.
if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
Yahya Al Ghassani's bio
Date of birth: April 18, 1998
Playing position: Winger
Clubs: 2015-2017 – Al Ahli Dubai; March-June 2018 – Paris FC; August – Al Wahda
What is safeguarding?
“Safeguarding, not just in sport, but in all walks of life, is making sure that policies are put in place that make sure your child is safe; when they attend a football club, a tennis club, that there are welfare officers at clubs who are qualified to a standard to make sure your child is safe in that environment,” Derek Bell explains.
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
Sweet%20Tooth
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Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
The Indoor Cricket World Cup
When: September 16-23
Where: Insportz, Dubai
Indoor cricket World Cup:
Insportz, Dubai, September 16-23
UAE fixtures:
Men
Saturday, September 16 – 1.45pm, v New Zealand
Sunday, September 17 – 10.30am, v Australia; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Monday, September 18 – 2pm, v England; 7.15pm, v India
Tuesday, September 19 – 12.15pm, v Singapore; 5.30pm, v Sri Lanka
Thursday, September 21 – 2pm v Malaysia
Friday, September 22 – 3.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 3pm, grand final
Women
Saturday, September 16 – 5.15pm, v Australia
Sunday, September 17 – 2pm, v South Africa; 7.15pm, v New Zealand
Monday, September 18 – 5.30pm, v England
Tuesday, September 19 – 10.30am, v New Zealand; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Thursday, September 21 – 12.15pm, v Australia
Friday, September 22 – 1.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 1pm, grand final
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
States of Passion by Nihad Sirees,
Pushkin Press
High profile Al Shabab attacks
- 2010: A restaurant attack in Kampala Uganda kills 74 people watching a Fifa World Cup final football match.
- 2013: The Westgate shopping mall attack, 62 civilians, five Kenyan soldiers and four gunmen are killed.
- 2014: A series of bombings and shootings across Kenya sees scores of civilians killed.
- 2015: Four gunmen attack Garissa University College in northeastern Kenya and take over 700 students hostage, killing those who identified as Christian; 148 die and 79 more are injured.
- 2016: An attack on a Kenyan military base in El Adde Somalia kills 180 soldiers.
- 2017: A suicide truck bombing outside the Safari Hotel in Mogadishu kills 587 people and destroys several city blocks, making it the deadliest attack by the group and the worst in Somalia’s history.
Which products are to be taxed?
To be taxed:
Flavoured water, long-life fruit juice concentrates, pre-packaged sweetened coffee drinks fall under the ‘sweetened drink’ category
Not taxed
Freshly squeezed fruit juices, ground coffee beans, tea leaves and pre-prepared flavoured milkshakes do not come under the ‘sweetened drink’ band.
Products excluded from the ‘sweetened drink’ category would contain at least 75 per cent milk in a ready-to-drink form or as a milk substitute, baby formula, follow-up formula or baby food, beverages consumed for medicinal use and special dietary needs determined as per GCC Standardisation Organisation rules
The Year Earth Changed
Directed by:Tom Beard
Narrated by: Sir David Attenborough
Stars: 4
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
SPEC SHEET
Display: 6.8" edge quad-HD dynamic Amoled 2X, Infinity-O, 3088 x 1440, 500ppi, HDR10 , 120Hz
Processor: 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/Exynos 2200, 8-core
Memory: 8/12GB RAM
Storage: 128/256/512GB/1TB
Platform: Android 12
Main camera: quad 12MP ultra-wide f/2.2, 108MP wide f/1.8, 10MP telephoto f/4.9, 10MP telephoto 2.4; Space Zoom up to 100x, auto HDR, expert RAW
Video: 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, full-HD@60fps, HD@30fps, super slo-mo@960fps
Front camera: 40MP f/2.2
Battery: 5000mAh, fast wireless charging 2.0 Wireless PowerShare
Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC
I/O: USB-C
SIM: single nano, or nano and SIM, nano and nano, eSIM/nano and nano
Colours: burgundy, green, phantom black, phantom white, graphite, sky blue, red
Price: Dh4,699 for 128GB, Dh5,099 for 256GB, Dh5,499 for 512GB; 1TB unavailable in the UAE
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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About Housecall
Date started: July 2020
Founders: Omar and Humaid Alzaabi
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: HealthTech
# of staff: 10
Funding to date: Self-funded
The Sky Is Pink
Director: Shonali Bose
Cast: Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Farhan Akhtar, Zaira Wasim, Rohit Saraf
Three stars
RESULT
Leeds United 1 Manchester City 1
Leeds: Rodrigo (59')
Man City: Sterling (17')
Man of the Match: Rodrigo Moreno (Leeds)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
The specs: 2018 BMW X2 and X3
Price, as tested: Dh255,150 (X2); Dh383,250 (X3)
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder (X2); 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder (X3)
Power 192hp @ 5,000rpm (X2); 355hp @ 5,500rpm (X3)
Torque: 280Nm @ 1,350rpm (X2); 500Nm @ 1,520rpm (X3)
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic (X2); Eight-speed automatic (X3)
Fuel consumption, combined: 5.7L / 100km (X2); 8.3L / 100km (X3)
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
Tips for job-seekers
- Do not submit your application through the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn. Employers receive between 600 and 800 replies for each job advert on the platform. If you are the right fit for a job, connect to a relevant person in the company on LinkedIn and send them a direct message.
- Make sure you are an exact fit for the job advertised. If you are an HR manager with five years’ experience in retail and the job requires a similar candidate with five years’ experience in consumer, you should apply. But if you have no experience in HR, do not apply for the job.
David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
ZIMBABWE V UAE, ODI SERIES
All matches at the Harare Sports Club:
1st ODI, Wednesday - Zimbabwe won by 7 wickets
2nd ODI, Friday, April 12
3rd ODI, Sunday, April 14
4th ODI, Tuesday, April 16
UAE squad: Mohammed Naveed (captain), Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Shaiman Anwar, Mohammed Usman, CP Rizwan, Chirag Suri, Mohammed Boota, Ghulam Shabber, Sultan Ahmed, Imran Haider, Amir Hayat, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed
BMW%20M4%20Competition
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3.0%20twin-turbo%20inline%20six-cylinder%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20eight-speed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E503hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20600Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20from%20Dh617%2C600%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs: 2018 BMW R nineT Scrambler
Price, base / as tested Dh57,000
Engine 1,170cc air/oil-cooled flat twin four-stroke engine
Transmission Six-speed gearbox
Power 110hp) @ 7,750rpm
Torque 116Nm @ 6,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined 5.3L / 100km
UAE tour of the Netherlands
UAE squad: Rohan Mustafa (captain), Shaiman Anwar, Ghulam Shabber, Mohammed Qasim, Rameez Shahzad, Mohammed Usman, Adnan Mufti, Chirag Suri, Ahmed Raza, Imran Haider, Mohammed Naveed, Amjad Javed, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed
Fixtures:
Monday, 1st 50-over match
Wednesday, 2nd 50-over match
Thursday, 3rd 50-over match
%20Ramez%20Gab%20Min%20El%20Akher
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreator%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ramez%20Galal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ramez%20Galal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStreaming%20on%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMBC%20Shahid%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The First Monday in May
Director: Andrew Rossi
Starring: Anna Wintour, Karl Lagerfeld, John Paul Gaultier, Rihanna
Three stars
The specs: 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Price, base / as tested: Dh101,140 / Dh113,800
Engine: Turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder
Power: 148hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 250Nm @ 2,000rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed CVT
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.0L / 100km
THE BIO: Martin Van Almsick
Hometown: Cologne, Germany
Family: Wife Hanan Ahmed and their three children, Marrah (23), Tibijan (19), Amon (13)
Favourite dessert: Umm Ali with dark camel milk chocolate flakes
Favourite hobby: Football
Breakfast routine: a tall glass of camel milk
Tips for used car buyers
- Choose cars with GCC specifications
- Get a service history for cars less than five years old
- Don’t go cheap on the inspection
- Check for oil leaks
- Do a Google search on the standard problems for your car model
- Do your due diligence. Get a transfer of ownership done at an official RTA centre
- Check the vehicle’s condition. You don’t want to buy a car that’s a good deal but ends up costing you Dh10,000 in repairs every month
- Validate warranty and service contracts with the relevant agency and and make sure they are valid when ownership is transferred
- If you are planning to sell the car soon, buy one with a good resale value. The two most popular cars in the UAE are black or white in colour and other colours are harder to sell
Tarek Kabrit, chief executive of Seez, and Imad Hammad, chief executive and co-founder of CarSwitch.com
