‘A Dubai Invite’ closes after more than 90,000 applications

Dubai’s ‘A Dubai Invite’ programme has closed registrations after receiving more than 90,000 applications from residents, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) announced.

The initiative, launched on July 20, 2026, encouraged residents to invite friends and family members from overseas to visit Dubai. More than 30,000 benefit packages have already been distributed under the programme.

Programme Capacity Increased Due to Strong Demand

DET said the strong response from residents led to the programme’s capacity being increased by more than three times, with support from participating partners.

Although registrations are now closed, benefits will continue to be issued to residents who successfully registered visitors before the final allocation was reached.

Visitors Can Arrive Until October 31

Eligible visitors who were successfully registered can still travel to Dubai until October 31, 2026.

Visitors must:

• Arrive directly in Dubai from outside the UAE

• Meet the programme’s eligibility requirements

• Have been successfully registered before the final allocation was reached

Visitor arrivals will be verified through a unified process supported by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

Benefits Issued Within 72 Hours

Successful applicants will receive their benefit packages within 72 hours of their guests’ arrival in Dubai.

The benefits will remain valid at participating venues until December 31, 2026, giving visitors additional time to enjoy the available experiences.

Wide Range of Benefits Available

The programme offered benefits across several tourism and lifestyle categories, including:

• Hotels and accommodation

• Tourist attractions

• Dining experiences

• Transport services

• Lifestyle experiences

Participating hotel partners included W Dubai Mina Seyahi, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, as well as properties operated by IHG Hotels and Resorts.

Visitors could also access benefits at major attractions such as Aquaventure Waterpark and IMG Worlds of Adventure.

Careem Offers Transport Benefits

Careem was also among the participating partners, offering complimentary Careem Plus membership along with transport rebates on Hala Taxi and other services.

Residents Help Promote Dubai

Noor Al Geziry, AVP, Special Projects & MENA at DET, said the strong response demonstrated the important role residents play in promoting Dubai to friends and relatives overseas.

She highlighted residents as some of Dubai’s strongest advocates, noting that their personal experiences and recommendations can give visitors an authentic perspective of the city.

Supporting Visiting Friends and Relatives Tourism

Dubai is home to people from nearly 200 nationalities, creating a significant visiting friends and relatives tourism segment.

DET said ‘A Dubai Invite’ also reflected the spirit of the UAE’s Year of Family by encouraging residents to welcome their loved ones to Dubai.

Continued Collaboration With Tourism Partners

DET said the programme was developed following almost a year of collaboration between public- and private-sector partners.

The initiative forms part of the department’s broader efforts to strengthen Dubai’s visiting friends and relatives tourism segment.

Although registrations have closed, DET will continue working with tourism partners and Dubai’s resident community to encourage visitors to discover the city through the experiences and recommendations of those who live there.