Vietnam and UAE strengthen air connectivity, simplify visas

The National newspaper of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has just published an article citing the assessment of tourism industry executives that simplifying visa procedures and increasing air connectivity will help promote tourism activities between the UAE and Vietnam, in the context that the two countries are promoting bilateral relations after completing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2024.

Emily Jenkins, Director of Digital Products and Solutions at DW Travel in Dubai (UAE), commented: "CEPA will simplify tourism , trade and investment links between the UAE and Vietnam. Tourism will certainly benefit from this. A simpler visa process for UAE citizens to Vietnam will remove a key challenge we often face when bringing business to new destinations."

Under CEPA - Vietnam's first agreement with a Middle Eastern country, the two countries aim to increase bilateral trade turnover to 20 billion USD/year.

Also under this agreement, the UAE agreed to eliminate tariffs on 99% of Vietnam's export goods, while Vietnam committed to eliminating tariffs on 98.5% of UAE's export goods.

Tourism is expected to be boosted by a new direct flight to Hanoi launched this month by Abu Dhabi (UAE) airline Etihad Airways.

Etihad Airways will operate six flights per week with Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Sharing with The National newspaper, Mr. Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, CEO of Etihad Airways, affirmed: "The opening of a direct flight to Hanoi reflects the significant trade relationship between the UAE and Vietnam. The new route will serve both businessmen and tourists."

Trade between Vietnam and the UAE has grown significantly, with the UAE being Vietnam’s largest trading partner in the Middle East. Vietnam’s exports to the UAE include electronics, textiles, footwear, seafood and agricultural products, while the UAE exports petroleum products, metals and fertilizers to Vietnam.

Mr. Al Marzouqi said that Hanoi is a "new gateway" to explore for UAE residents as well as passengers from Europe flying through Abu Dhabi. In return, tourists from Hanoi can also connect to the rest of the world through Abu Dhabi, taking advantage of the free 2-night transit program in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi.

Meanwhile, Ms. Meerah Ketait, head of retail and entertainment at the UAE's leading travel agency Dnata Travel, said that Vietnam is becoming a popular destination for UAE tourists thanks to improved flight routes and growing interest in culture, nature and beach experiences in Vietnam.

“At Dnata Travel, we are seeing a 110% increase in flight bookings in 2025 compared to 2024. With new routes from Emirates and Etihad opening up access to Da Nang and Hanoi, it is easier than ever for travellers to discover the wonders of Vietnam,” added Ms. Ketait.

Ms Jenkins said UAE tourists are looking for new and unique destinations in Asia. Besides traditional destinations such as Thailand or Bali (Indonesia), Vietnam offers "the perfect combination of culture, nature and values."

“We have seen increasing interest and bookings from UAE travellers to Vietnam, particularly to destinations such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. Airlines have started to respond to the demand with more flights and more competitive fares,” she explained.

She said that marketing cooperation between national airlines, travel agencies as well as hotel owners will help position Vietnam as a top emerging destination for Gulf tourists.

According to Ms. Jenkins, UAE tourism companies need to cooperate with airlines, hotels and reputable destination management companies in Vietnam to build suitable tourism programs.

On the Vietnamese side, she noted that strengthening Halal certification, language training for tour guides and raising awareness of Muslim-friendly infrastructure will make a big difference in attracting tourists from the Gulf./.

(TTXVN/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/viet-nam-va-uae-tang-cuong-ket-noi-hang-khong-don-gian-hoa-thi-thuc-post1078342.vnp