Dubai is turning to residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to draw international tourists back to the city.
Launched in late July, the incentive promises qualifying UAE citizens and residents up to three travel reward packages – each worth over AED 3,000 – for nominating approved international tourists who visit the bustling metropolis. Dubbed “A Dubai Invite,” the initiative specifically encourages UAE dwellers to nominate their family and friends for Dubai visits via “air, sea, or road.” Per the source, each travel reward package will include “over 20 perks like savings on hotel stays, dining experiences, attraction tickets, and more.” Currently, AED3,000 converts to $816.78 – a notable chunk of change towards a vacation.
Details Of The Program
The initiative only runs through October 31, so interested participants should get their nominations and travel arrangements in order sooner rather than later. Also, those who nominate international tourists must have a valid UAE ID, be 18 or older, and be able to share personal information like their birthday and email address. They’ll also need to provide details on each nominated international guest, such as passport information, anticipated arrival month, and nationality.
International guests may only be nominated once as visitors through the program. Moreover, they’ll still need to obtain a tourist visa or a visa on arrival in the UAE.
At no cost, UAE residents and citizens can nominate as many international tourists as they want while the program is running, suggesting a group of up to five people each time. That said, they are only eligible to receive up to three reward packages.
Once at least one nominated international visitor arrives in Dubai, the UAE dweller will get an email with the details of their corresponding rewards package. Nominators will have until December 31 to use up their “A Dubai Invite” rewards, and there may be blackout dates.
Dubai Works On Regaining Tourism Numbers
According to the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET), Dubai had 19.59 million overnight international visitors in 2025, up 5% from the year before (2024). In February 2026, the tourism authority also highlighted that 2 million overnight international visitors stayed in Dubai in January of this year, marking a 3% increase over January 2025.
In late February, conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran triggered travel disruptions and delays in the Middle East, as well as slowed regional tourism. Dubai has been directly impacted by the Iran War, including hotel damage caused by drone debris at the popular Fairmont The Palm and Jumeirah Burj Al Arab hotels, as well as a temporary closure of Dubai International Airport in mid-March.
“At a time when personal connection and credibility matter more than ever in travel decisions, ‘A Dubai Invite’ speaks directly to what makes this city enduringly compelling: the people who call it home and who understand it best, and the families and friends they welcome here to experience it for themselves,” said Noor Al Geziry, AVP, Special Projects & MENA at DET in a statement, according to CNN.
What Dubai’s Reward Packages Include
Visit Dubai will issue benefit packages on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability. Of the many “A Dubai Invite” travel rewards advertised, they include:
- Several savings or “two-for-one” dining deals across various restaurants
- A free night’s stay at IHG properties
- Save 45% on your stay at Meliá Desert Palm
- Save 20% on five journeys with Careem, a ride-hailing and multi-service app
