Dubai has officially closed registrations for its ‘A Dubai Invite’ initiative, which generated over 90,000 applications from local residents since its launch in July. The program encourages residents to act as ambassadors by inviting friends and family from abroad, offering hosts significant savings and exclusive benefits.
Under the scheme, eligible participants can unlock rewards valued at more than AED 3,000 (€700). These include discounted accommodation, dining deals, and complimentary or reduced-entry tickets to major attractions. Responding to the unexpectedly high demand, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) announced it had tripled the number of available benefit packages.
To date, more than 30,000 packages have been distributed. Although new registrations are closed, applicants who secured a spot before the cap was reached can still host visitors traveling directly from outside the UAE until October 31, 2026. Benefits are typically delivered within 72 hours of a guest’s arrival and remain valid for use at participating venues through December 31.
The initiative spans a wide range of hospitality and entertainment partners, including W Dubai Mina Seyahi, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark, Meliá Desert Palm, and ME Dubai by Meliá, alongside properties from IHG Hotels & Resorts. Additional discounts are available at popular destinations such as Aquaventure Waterpark and IMG Worlds of Adventure.
In a recent LinkedIn post, the DET highlighted that the strong participation underscores the critical role of visiting friends and relatives in Dubai’s tourism ecosystem. The program aims to sustain growth in the sector after a record 19.59 million international visitors arrived in 2025. However, the emirate faces a more difficult landscape in 2026, with ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the US and Iran disrupting regional travel and aviation.
90,000 applications is massive! I love that residents can boost tourism this way. Hope I get picked next time.
Is it really generous to restrict valid hosting until October 2026? Feels like they’re stretching benefits too thin.