22% increase in visitors from Oman to Dubai

Muscat: There has been a 22 per cent increase in the number of visitors from Oman to Dubai over the past year.
According to figures released by the Government of Dubai’s Department of Tourism, more than 695,000 people travelled from Oman to Dubai over the past year, compared with 569,000 visitors the previous year.
Oman represents one of Dubai’s prime sources of visitors. The Sultanate ranks third in the number of annual visitors to the emirate, behind India (974,000) and Saudi Arabia (921,000).
One of the reasons for this is the cheap and convenient availability of flights.
The Emirates airline has about 21 flights a week to Dubai, priced at a modest OMR45.
In addition, Oman Air, operates seven flights a day to Dubai, with tickets priced at a very reasonable OMR52. The national carrier also offers a complimentary airport shuttle bus service from Al Ain to Dubai and Abu Dhabi every day.
Budget airline Fly Dubai is another option for those wishing to travel to and from the Emirates, with passengers required to shell out just OMR41 per ticket.
“There are many reasons to visit Dubai. It has a greater variety of hotels,” said one Omani. “You have many entertainment options, they are building five new theme parks this year alone, and you don’t have this in Oman. “The shopping experience is much better in Dubai, plus we miss seeing so many people in one place,” he added.
“The diversity of nationalities, we don’t have it here in Oman, as it is there in Dubai, it’s nice to see that.” Despite recent regulations implemented by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which require all expatriates to apply for online visas in advance, should they choose to visit, Dubai continues to be a popular tourist destination for residents in Oman.
“You have options there,” exclaimed one expat. “Food, entertainment, shopping, parties, why wouldn’t someone go there for a holiday? If only Dubai were a little easy on the pockets, though.”
“It’s a different and fast life,” revealed another. “It’s a good change from Oman for some time, with the high-rise buildings and an environment that is not seen in Oman. The nightlife is also more happening.”
The recent tourism boost for Oman’s neighbour has also been fueled by travel agencies promoting cheap holiday packages.
“Currently, we have a lot of promotions in the market,” explained Michelle Calaje, senior travel consultant at Travel Point. “The hotels are offering very competitive rates, they have advertised very well this year. We have prolonged our exclusive offers and early bird discounts to the market.”
“A lot of people would love to do their own online visa application,” she added, shedding some light on the UAE’s new entry regulations. “This makes reduces the cost than what the travel agencies would charge.”
“Each and every person in the Middle East would like to see what’s going on in Dubai.”