Dubai has launched a new tourism campaign that rewards UAE residents for inviting family and friends to experience the emirate. Through the 'A Dubai Invite' initiative, eligible residents can receive reward packages worth more than Dh3,000 after their nominated visitors arrive in Dubai.
The initiative, introduced by Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), is designed to encourage residents to share Dubai with loved ones while boosting tourism across the city. The rewards include hotel discounts, dining offers, attraction experiences and other exclusive deals from participating partners.
Here's everything UAE residents need to know about the campaign, including eligibility, how to apply, what rewards are available and the important deadlines.
What is the 'A Dubai Invite' campaign?
The A Dubai Invite campaign allows UAE citizens and residents to nominate family members or friends living outside the UAE to visit Dubai.
Once the visitor arrives and their entry is verified through official government systems, the resident who submitted the nomination becomes eligible to receive a rewards package valued at more than Dh3,000.
The campaign runs until October 31, 2026, while registered rewards can be redeemed until December 31, 2026, unless individual offers have different validity dates.
Who can apply?
The initiative is open to:
- UAE citizens
- UAE residents aged 18 and above
- Holders of a valid Emirates ID
Residents can nominate relatives or friends who are not UAE residents and are travelling to Dubai on either:
- A valid tourist visa
- Visa-on-arrival eligibility
Visitors must arrive in Dubai during the campaign period to qualify.
How to nominate visitors
Residents must complete the online nomination form available through the official Visit Dubai website.
During registration, applicants need to provide:
- Emirates ID details
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Email address
They will also need to submit information about each visitor, including:
- Full name
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Relationship to the UAE resident
- Expected month of arrival
After submitting the application, Dubai authorities will verify the visitor's arrival automatically through official immigration systems.
Residents do not need to upload travel documents after the visitor enters the country.
How many visitors can be nominated?
Residents can nominate up to five visitors during the campaign.
Each visitor can only be nominated once, although residents may submit additional nominations after completing earlier applications.
The programme also limits each resident to a maximum of three rewards packages, even if multiple visitors qualify.
What rewards do residents receive?
Successful nominations unlock benefits worth more than Dh3,000, including:
- Hotel stay offers
- Restaurant discounts
- Attraction experiences
- Leisure and entertainment deals
- Exclusive tourism promotions
The exact offers depend on participating hotels, restaurants and attractions and may vary based on availability.
Reward packages will begin being issued after visitor arrivals are verified, with eligible residents receiving instructions by email on how to redeem their benefits.
Important campaign dates
Residents should keep these important deadlines in mind:
- Visitor nominations remain open until September 30, 2026
- Eligible visitors can arrive in Dubai until October 31, 2026
- Rewards can generally be redeemed until December 31, 2026
Some participating offers may have earlier expiry dates or blackout periods.
Things residents should know
Before submitting a nomination, residents should understand several important conditions.
The campaign does not provide:
- Tourist visas
- Flight bookings
- Hotel reservations
- Travel insurance
- Visa assistance
Visitors remain responsible for arranging their own travel, accommodation and visa requirements.
The campaign simply rewards UAE residents after an eligible visitor successfully arrives in Dubai.
Dubai tourist visa options
Visitors travelling to Dubai have several visa options depending on their nationality.
Citizens from more than 80 countries can enter the UAE through a visa-on-arrival programme, while GCC nationals enjoy visa-free entry. GCC residents may apply for an electronic visa, and transit visas are available for travellers stopping in the UAE for 48 or 96 hours.
Dubai also offers both single-entry and multiple-entry tourist visas, making it easier for visitors planning extended holidays or multiple trips.
Single-entry tourist visa
A single-entry tourist visa allows visitors to stay in Dubai for either 30 or 60 days.
Applicants typically require:
- A passport valid for at least six months
- A passport-sized photograph
- Health insurance
Current government fees are:
- 30-day visa: Dh200
- 60-day visa: Dh300
VAT applies where applicable.
Multiple-entry tourist visa
Visitors planning to travel in and out of the UAE can apply for a multiple-entry tourist visa.
Current fees include:
- 30-day visa: Dh300
- 60-day visa: Dh500
This option is particularly useful for travellers visiting neighbouring countries before returning to Dubai.
Five-year multiple-entry visa
The UAE also offers a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa for eligible foreign nationals.
The visa allows repeated visits over five years without requiring a sponsor inside the UAE. Visitors may stay for up to 90 consecutive days, with extensions available subject to annual stay limits.
Government fees begin at approximately Dh3,713.50, including applicable deposits and processing charges.
Why Dubai launched the campaign
Dubai continues to strengthen its position as one of the world's leading tourism destinations, welcoming millions of international visitors every year.
The A Dubai Invite campaign encourages residents to become tourism ambassadors by inviting friends and relatives to experience the city's hotels, restaurants, attractions and entertainment.
By rewarding residents while also introducing new visitors to Dubai, the initiative supports the emirate's broader tourism strategy and creates additional opportunities for businesses across the hospitality, retail and leisure sectors.
For residents with family or friends planning a visit this year, the programme offers an easy way to unlock exclusive benefits while helping loved ones discover everything Dubai has to offer.
