Dubai Invite closes registration following a surge in demand and a threefold increase in benefit packages.
Dubai: The ‘A Dubai Invite’ programme has closed registration after attracting more than 90,000 applications from residents. Over 30,000 benefit packages have been distributed since the initiative began in July.
Residents who successfully registered visitors before the final allocation was reached will continue to receive benefits. Registered eligible visitors have until October 31, 2026, to arrive in Dubai, with benefits issued within 72 hours of their arrival.
The benefits can be used at participating venues until December 31, 2026.
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which launched the programme on July 20, said the strong response highlighted residents’ role in encouraging friends and relatives from around the world to visit the emirate.
High demand from residents and increased support from participating partners prompted DET and its programme partners to more than triple the number of exclusive benefit packages available.
Eligible visitors’ arrivals are being verified through a unified process supported by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA – Dubai).
Registered visitors must meet the programme’s eligibility requirements, including arriving directly in Dubai from outside the UAE before October 31, 2026.
Residents play a key role in Dubai’s tourism growth
The strong response to ‘A Dubai Invite’ underscores the contribution of Dubai’s diverse resident community to its visiting friends and relatives (VFR) tourism sector.
Home to nearly 200 nationalities, Dubai benefits from residents sharing their experiences and recommendations, giving friends and family a personal insight into the destination.
Noor Al Geziry, AVP, Special Projects & MENA at DET, said the programme’s success reflected residents’ enthusiasm for sharing Dubai with friends and family.
She described residents as some of Dubai’s strongest advocates, whose experiences and recommendations offer an authentic view of the city’s appeal. She added that this enthusiasm demonstrated the community’s confidence in Dubai and supported the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, ambition to make it the best city to visit, live and work in.
Al Geziry also thanked participants and public- and private-sector partners, whose support enabled the programme to more than triple its capacity.
She said the partnership showed how government and industry could work towards a common goal, creating meaningful experiences for residents and strengthening Dubai’s appeal as a welcoming destination for families and loved ones.
She added that the response across nationalities and backgrounds reflected residents’ enthusiasm for sharing Dubai with friends and family, highlighting their role as ambassadors for the city.
The initiative also aligns with the UAE’s Year of Family, celebrating family connections as residents welcome loved ones to Dubai.
What benefits did ‘A Dubai Invite’ provide?
‘A Dubai Invite’ followed nearly a year of collaboration between Dubai’s public- and private-sector partners.
The programme offered exclusive benefits across attractions, restaurants, hotels and lifestyle experiences, helping successful applicants explore Dubai with visiting friends and relatives.
Participating hotels included W Dubai Mina Seyahi, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark, Melia Desert Palm and ME Dubai by Melia, alongside properties in IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Dubai portfolio.
Visitors could also enjoy special privileges at Aquaventure Waterpark, IMG Worlds of Adventure and Grand Hyatt Waterpark.
Dining partners included Asia Asia, Ula, Papas, The 305 and Lock, Stock & Barrel.
Careem provided free Careem Plus membership, along with transport rebates on Hala Taxi and other services.
Dorsai Khaghani, Vice President, Global Commercial at Kerzner International, said the company was proud to support ‘A Dubai Invite’ through its Atlantis properties and help bring families and loved ones together in Dubai.
Khaghani said the strong response from residents reflected the personal connections that make Dubai a special destination. She added that the company was pleased to help residents share the city with loved ones and create lasting memories together.
Tarek Labib, Head of Commercial, IMEA at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said the initiative highlighted what organisations could achieve by working towards a common goal.
He said participating hotels across IHG’s Dubai portfolio were delighted to welcome residents and their loved ones to experience their properties and the city.
Labib described residents as some of IHG’s most valued guests, adding that the response reflected the community’s enthusiasm for bringing friends and family together. He also expressed pride in partnering with DET on an initiative that created meaningful experiences for residents and visitors.
Ugur Lee Kanbur, Multi-Property General Manager at Destination Mina Seyahi, said the response highlighted residents’ role in encouraging visits to Dubai.
He added that Destination Mina Seyahi was proud to turn those invitations into memorable stays, bringing families and loved ones together through Dubai’s renowned beachfront hospitality.
Dubai maintains focus on visits from friends and relatives
The initiative supports DET’s ongoing efforts to grow the visiting friends and relatives (VFR) segment and place residents at the heart of promoting Dubai as a destination.
These efforts include campaigns such as ‘Dubai. If You Go, You Know’, which uses residents’ experiences and recommendations to inspire friends and family to explore the city.
DET said the success of ‘A Dubai Invite’ highlighted the collaboration between government bodies and private-sector partners in creating initiatives that benefit residents, visitors and tourism businesses.
The department added that it would continue working with tourism partners and Dubai’s diverse communities to strengthen the VFR segment, helping visitors discover the city’s many experiences through those who know it best.
