Dubai is offering residents rewards worth more than €700 for persuading friends and family to visit the emirate, as authorities launch a new tourism initiative designed to encourage travel during the traditionally quieter summer season.
The new “A Dubai Invite” programme, launched by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), allows UAE residents and citizens to invite friends and relatives living abroad to visit the city between 20 July and 31 October 2026. In return, residents can unlock benefits worth more than AED 3,000 (€716), with access to over 20 perks, including hotel stays, dining experiences, attraction tickets and lifestyle offers.
“The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism launches ‘A Dubai Invite’, inviting residents to become ambassadors of the city by welcoming their loved ones to Dubai,” said the Dubai Media Office, announcing the initiative in a post on X.
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism launches ‘A Dubai Invite’, inviting residents to become ambassadors of the city by welcoming their loved ones to Dubai. The programme runs until 31 October 2026, delivering tangible benefits to the community of nearly 200 nationalities. pic.twitter.com/2V85yoQ1Fw
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 22, 2026
According to the official Visit Dubai website, residents who successfully nominate eligible visitors can access exclusive offers from hotels, restaurants and attractions across the city. These include discounts of up to 45% at selected hotels, including Meliá Desert Palm, W Dubai Mina Seyahi, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Waterpark, and IHG Hotels & Resorts. The package also offers complimentary attraction tickets to destinations such as Aquaventure and IMG Worlds of Adventure, as well as two-for-one dining deals at restaurants including ULA, Asia Asia and The 305, allowing residents and their guests to explore and enjoy Dubai together at reduced prices.
To qualify, nominated visitors must be non-UAE residents travelling on a valid tourist visa or be eligible for a visa on arrival. Residents must also be at least 18 years old and hold a valid Emirates ID. Visitors need to arrive before 31 October, while the rewards can be redeemed until the end of the year. Each resident can receive up to three reward packages under the scheme.
The campaign aims to encourage residents from nearly 200 nationalities living in Dubai to promote the destination to friends and relatives abroad. On its website, Visit Dubai says: “You’re their best reason to visit.”
The programme also comes during Dubai’s traditionally low tourism season, when temperatures frequently approach 50°C, making summer one of the quietest periods for international visitors.
Dubai welcomed around 19.5 million visitors annually, making it one of the Middle East’s leading tourism destinations. However, the tourism industry has faced challenges in recent months following regional instability linked to the conflict involving Iran. The unrest disrupted air travel, affected visitor confidence and prompted the Dubai government to introduce a series of economic support measures for businesses, including relief for hotels, restaurants and aviation operators.
The campaign has already attracted strong interest, with 10,000 applications submitted within the first 48 hours of its launch. Due to the overwhelming response, authorities are reviewing the cap on the number of reward packages available under the programme.
The initiative comes as Dubai’s tourism sector introduces further measures to reassure travellers amid regional uncertainty. Alongside the resident referral programme, airlines and tourism businesses have also introduced new incentives and offers aimed at restoring travel demand and supporting the sector’s recovery. As part of these efforts, Emirates has launched an industry-first travel insurance initiative covering conflict-related disruptions, including certain risks linked to geopolitical events, offering passengers greater reassurance when travelling during periods of uncertainty.
