Dubai has launched a new tourism project that invites citizens to become city ambassadors by inviting friends and family from other countries to visit the emirate and experience everything it has to offer. The newly launched 'Invite' program provides UAE citizens with special bonuses of more than Dhs3,000 when their nominated visitors visit Dubai between July 20 and October 31, 2026. 

The program highlights Dubai's ongoing attempts to increase international visitor numbers through personal ties, acknowledging that referrals from family and friends remain one of the most powerful impacts on travel decisions. By combining appealing rewards with an easy nomination procedure, the campaign aims to increase tourism while also providing residents with another opportunity to reunite with loved ones. 

The reward package includes a selection of special hotel stays, dining experiences, attraction tickets, and other selected incentives that can be redeemed until December 31, 2026, according to specific rules and regulations. 

And a trusted travel agency in Dubai is ready to make your trip memorable with special deals and offers.

What’s the purpose of this offer? 



The launch comes as Dubai strengthens its status as one of the world's top tourism destinations with creative efforts that go beyond traditional destination marketing. 

Instead of depending primarily on promotional advertising, the emirate is increasingly promoting genuine experiences and word-of-mouth recommendations to attract foreign visitors. Friends and family who come frequently gain a local perspective on Dubai, finding areas, restaurants, and attractions that may not be included in typical trip itineraries. 

This strategy not only improves the guest experience, but it also benefits businesses across different sectors of the tourism industry. 

In addition to rewarding citizens, the campaign is designed to open new prospects for partnering hotels, restaurants, attractions, and leisure providers. 

Every extra tourist adds to the overall tourism economy through hotel reservations, restaurant expenditures, shop sales, and entertainment experiences. By inviting residents to welcome individuals with whom they already have deep ties, the campaign targets a tourist segment that stays longer, travels in groups, and explores the location more thoroughly. 

Hospitality businesses gain from increased visibility, as partnering hotels and attractions use the campaign to highlight premium experiences that may promote subsequent visits. 

Industry experts are increasingly recognizing the value of referral-based tourism, in which trusted recommendations from friends and family may be more effective than traditional marketing campaigns. Dubai's new effort expands on this premise by compensating citizens for contributing to the city's foreign tourism base. 

Who can participate in “A Dubai Invite” offer? 

The program is accessible to UAE nationals and residents aged 18 and up with a valid Emirates ID. Visitors they suggest must be non-UAE residents on a tourist visa or qualified for a visa on arrival. Visitors are liable for obtaining their own visa. 

To qualify, tourists must be present in Dubai between July 20 and October 31, 2026, and can enter via air, sea, or land. Residents can suggest several guests, but they can only earn three incentive gifts as part of the campaign. 

Once the selected guest lands in Dubai, the DET will confirm the visit using authorized government systems. Following successful verification, eligible residents will get an email with information about their benefits package and instructions for redeeming the incentives. 

What does the “A Dubai Invite” program offer? 



When a nominated tourist arrives in Dubai between July 20 and October 31, 2026, their arrival will be automatically confirmed.  

Residents will then get an email with their rewards package and instructions for redeeming the incentives, which include hotel stays, food bargains, and attraction experiences. If stated otherwise, the advantages may be used until December 31, 2026. The program is available to UAE nationals and residents with a valid Emirates ID. 

Visitors must be non-UAE residents and arrive in Dubai with a valid tourist or visit visa throughout the campaign time. Guests are responsible for booking their own flights, visas, accommodations, and travel expenses. 

Here are some hotel benefits under this program:  

• Hotel and dine deals: The rewards bundle includes special discounts from numerous Dubai hotels and activities. The participating hotels, attractions, and deals are subject to availability and may vary over the campaign. 
• 45% off at Melia Desert Palm: Melia Desert Palm offers visitors a 45% discount on rooms, suites, and villas. Guests will also be given a Dh100 spa credit per person and a Dh100 food and beverage credit each stay. 
• Meliá offers a 35% discount at ME Dubai: When you stay at ME Dubai by Meliá, you can take advantage of a variety of advantages. Get 35% off the best available rate and an additional room upgrade, while children under 12 stays for free. Guests will also enjoy a 35% discount on all-day dining, in-room dining, spa services, and laundry. 
• Full credit returned at Mina Seyahi hotels: When guests book a stay at any of the Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark, W Dubai—Mina Seyahi, or The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi hotels, they will get credit. Whatever they spend on their hotel, they will be given the same amount to spend at a range of top-tier restaurants and pleasant spa activities throughout their stay. 
  
  

Attractions 

• Free ticket to Aquaventure World. 
• 50% off Grand Hyatt Dubai Waterpark. 
• Free day out at IMG Worlds of Adventure. 
  
  

Dining 

• Two for one main courses at Asia Asia. 
• Two main courses for the price of one at Lock, Stock & Barrel. 
• Two for one at Papas. 
• Two for one at the 305. 
  
  

Services 

• 20% off Careem Rides. 
• 20% off Hala taxis booked through Careem. 
• Savings on rides and additional perks with Careem Plus. 
  
  

How does it support Dubai’s long-term vision? 

The announcement occurs as Dubai strengthens its status as one of the world's top tourism destinations with creative efforts that go beyond traditional destination marketing. 

Instead of depending primarily on promotional advertising, the emirate is increasingly promoting genuine experiences and word-of-mouth recommendations to attract foreign visitors. Friends and family who come frequently gain a local perspective on Dubai, finding areas, restaurants, and attractions that may not be included in typical trip itineraries. 

This strategy not only improves the guest experience, but it also benefits businesses across different sectors of the tourism industry. 

Where to Apply for “A Dubai Invite”? Y

You can apply via GDRFA Dubai's Smart Services platform, the GDRFA mobile app, an Amer center, a Customer Happiness Center, or online using UAE Pass. Most applications are processed within just 48 hours, so you don't need to rush to apply the instant your tickets are booked, but it's still a good idea to plan ahead of time in case your documents need to be reviewed again. 

Here is the link to apply: “A Dubai Invite.” 

Key Points You Should Know! 

• Each visitor can only be nominated once throughout the program. If another resident has previously registered the same individual, additional nominations will not be accepted. 
• Residents do not need to alert DET when their visitors arrive, as arrivals are immediately checked. 
• DET said that prize emails will be provided within 72 hours of the visitor's verified arrival, beginning in August 2026. 
• Registration concludes on September 30, 2026, although selected visitors may arrive in Dubai until October 31, 2026, to be eligible. 
• The project does not cover guests' flights, visas, or accommodations. Visitors must pay for all their own travel expenses. 
• The project aims to promote Dubai residents talking about their city experiences with family and friends, while also providing additional incentives for tourists to see the emirate.