The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has relaxed its strict tourist visa laws to allow more visitors into the country.
Backpacking tourists across 205 different nationalities will be allowed access to the UAE, which is a huge improvement on the previous restriction to only 79 countries.
Major general Mohammad Ahmad Al Merri, director general of the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) praised the decision.
"Everyone in the world will be allowed to enter the UAE on a tourist visa. We believe this decision will be a boost to the tourism industry in the country," he said.
The new rules are set to come into force next week.
However, visitors will only be able to secure a tourist visa for an initial 30 days, although permits can be extended for a fee.
This will also mean that travel companies will no longer be able to apply for a visit visa, previously used by entrants not eligible for a tourism visa.
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