A Dubai Invite: A New Program for Dubai Residents and Visitors

A Dubai Invite: A New Program for Dubai Residents and Visitors - Makebiz

A new tourism initiative called «A Dubai Invite» has launched in the UAE, aiming to attract international visitors through the emirate’s own residents. The program’s core concept is to encourage residents to invite friends and relatives to Dubai, while simultaneously granting the arriving guests access to special offers across the tourism, dining, entertainment, and hospitality sectors.

The initiative runs from July 20, 2026, to October 31, 2026. If an invited guest arrives in the emirate during these dates, the participating resident may become eligible for special offers valued at over AED 3,000. The specific perks depend on the terms of the individual offer and may include hotel accommodation, dining experiences, tickets to tourist attractions, and other leisure and recreation services in Dubai.

To take advantage of «A Dubai Invite,» the guest’s details must be entered into the online system prior to their arrival in the emirate. Registration is handled remotely, so there is no need to visit government offices in person to submit the information; this must be done before the guest arrives in the country. A single application allows for the inclusion of up to five visitors; if the number exceeds this limit, it is recommended to submit additional details via separate applications.

The registered guest does not need to take any further action once they cross the border and their arrival is confirmed. Entry details are verified automatically. Upon confirmation, the resident receives an email outlining the available bonuses and instructions on how to redeem them.

However, not all individuals are eligible to participate. The primary requirements for participation are:

  • the resident or citizen must be at least 18 years old;
  • possession of a valid Emirates ID (EID);
  • the visitor must arrive on a tourist visa or be eligible for a visa on arrival.

The number of bonuses that can be earned is also limited: a single participant may claim a maximum of three reward packages during the campaign period. Each visitor may be registered only once.

Participating companies

Companies operating across various segments of the tourism market are involved in the initiative. Organizations offering special deals to participants include Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark, Meliá Desert Palm, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Careem, Hala, and others. Program benefits extend beyond the hospitality sector; the list of partners also covers dining, transportation, entertainment, and other services popular with visitors to the emirate.

Points for participants to note

Several conditions apply when submitting an invitation. Notably, the same person cannot be registered more than once; eligibility is tied to the first correctly submitted nomination. If a visitor’s details have already been entered into the system by another resident, any subsequent application for that individual will not be considered.

The process for confirming the visit is also worth noting. Program participants do not need to personally notify DET that their invitee has arrived in Dubai; the system automatically detects entry using border crossing data.

Once arrival is recorded, the resident will receive an email outlining the available offers. Under the established rules, this email is sent no later than 72 hours after entry confirmation. The benefits themselves can be redeemed starting in August 2026.

Unless specific terms apply to a particular offer, rewards may be used until the end of 2026. It is important to note that A Dubai Invite does not cover the processing of entry documents for the invited guest; obtaining the necessary visa remains the visitor’s own responsibility.

Significance of the initiative

A Dubai Invite is more than just a promotional campaign; it is a way to directly involve the emirate’s residents in its promotion. By leveraging residents’ personal connections, the emirate aims to stimulate additional travel while simultaneously creating a more appealing experience for new visitors.

This format combines destination promotion with tangible benefits for travelers: guests gain the opportunity to experience the emirate’s hospitality infrastructure, dining, and entertainment under special terms, while residents receive additional rewards for their participation.

In a broader context, the initiative aligns with the UAE’s strategy to reinforce its status as a leading international tourism hub. The program emphasizes not only the volume of visiting tourists but also the quality of their experiences, the diversity of available leisure activities, and the standard of service. Thus, «A Dubai Invite» simultaneously supports the tourism sector, stimulates international interest in the emirate, and engages the local community in shaping an appealing image of Dubai as a destination for leisure and travel.

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