Dubai Celebrates Omani Visitors at Hatta Border and Dubai International Airport

Dubai's immigration authorities rolled out a special welcome for Omani visitors this week, giving them commemorative passport stamps and symbolic gifts as they entered through Hatta border crossing and Dubai International Airport. The gesture celebrates the deep-rooted ties between the UAE and Oman, showing how Gulf states continue strengthening diplomatic relationships through personal touches.

The Dubai General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs organized the initiative to mark the fraternal relations between both nations. Omani travelers received special treatment that went beyond standard border procedures, with officials personally greeting visitors and presenting gifts that symbolize the appreciation for this national occasion.

Several high-ranking officials participated in the welcoming ceremonies, including Major General Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani from Dubai's Environment and Climate Change Authority, Colonel Nabil Mohammed Al Qarqawi, Deputy Assistant Director General for Sea and Land Ports Affairs, and Colonel Dr. Rashid Obaid Al Ketbi, Director of Land Ports Passport Control Department. Their presence signals how seriously Dubai takes these diplomatic gestures.

Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai's immigration authority, emphasized that celebrating Omani visitors reflects the historical significance of UAE-Oman relations. "What connects our countries isn't just borders, but bonds of brotherhood that extend through history," he said. "We make sure to express these ties in every occasion in a way that befits our nation's values."

Al Marri added that Dubai's entry system represents part of the UAE's image globally. "Our responsibility is to ensure every guest experiences something that leaves a positive impact from the first moment," he explained.

This initiative fits into Dubai's broader strategy of creating memorable arrival experiences for travelers. The emirate has been working to position itself as a welcoming gateway that reflects the UAE's human-centered approach to international relations.

The timing matters too. Gulf Cooperation Council countries have been focusing more on regional integration and people-to-people connections. Small gestures like commemorative stamps and personal greetings can strengthen these relationships at the grassroots level, beyond formal diplomatic channels.

For Dubai, these efforts also serve economic purposes. The emirate thrives on tourism and business travel, so creating positive first impressions helps build its reputation as a preferred destination. Omani visitors contribute significantly to cross-border trade and tourism between the neighboring countries.