Dubai has shut the door on new registrations for its 'A Dubai Invite' initiative, which encouraged residents to bring friends and family from abroad for a visit. The programme, launched in July, drew more than 90,000 applications from residents, according to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
The scheme was designed to turn residents into ambassadors for the emirate, offering them a bundle of perks worth over AED 3,000 (€700) to share with their overseas guests. Benefits included discounted hotel stays, dining vouchers, and reduced or free entry to major attractions such as Aquaventure Waterpark and IMG Worlds of Adventure.
DET said the "exceptional response" prompted it and its partners to more than triple the number of available packages. So far, over 30,000 packages have been handed out, and while new applications are no longer being accepted, the programme remains active for those who already secured a spot.
Successful applicants can still have their guests arrive in Dubai until 31 October 2026, provided they travel directly from outside the UAE. Once guests land, benefits are delivered within 72 hours and can be used at participating venues until the end of the year.
What's on offer?
The initiative covers a wide range of hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Participating properties include 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 several IHG Hotels & Resorts.
DET highlighted on LinkedIn that the strong uptake underscores the importance of the visiting friends and relatives segment to Dubai's tourism ecosystem. The move comes as the city aims to sustain its tourism growth after a record 19.59 million international visitors in 2025.
However, the outlook for 2026 has been clouded by escalating conflict involving the US and Iran, which has disrupted travel and aviation across the Gulf. This has already prompted some European carriers to adjust their schedules, such as Finnair suspending its Helsinki–Dubai route through the winter on security concerns.
For European travellers, the scheme's closure may limit some of the discounts that made Dubai a more affordable winter getaway. Yet the emirate's broader push to diversify its tourism appeal continues, even as regional instability casts a shadow over the sector.
