Dubai offers residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) the opportunity to receive discounts on hotel stays and restaurant offers totaling over 3000 dirhams. This promotion has been launched as part of the new tourism program by the Department of Economy and Tourism of Dubai (DET).
Under this new tourism initiative, residents can nominate relatives or friends free of charge to visit the emirate. After the guest arrives in Dubai and their visit is confirmed, the inviter receives a package of discounts that includes offers for accommodation, dining, and attraction visits.
The campaign will run until October 31st, and each eligible resident can nominate up to five visitors arriving in Dubai during this period. The received rewards can be used until December 31, 2026, unless individual offers specify a different validity period.
To take advantage of the benefits, residents must fill out an online nomination form on the Visit Dubai website. Registration requires providing details such as Emirates ID, date of birth, gender, and email address. After personal information is confirmed, residents add details about their invited family members or friends.
The nomination will be processed, and the guest's arrival will be tracked through authorized government systems. Residents can invite non-residents of the UAE who enter Dubai with a valid tourist visa or are eligible for entry on arrival. Arrival must occur between July 20 and October 31, 2026.
Although multiple nominations can be submitted, only five are allowed simultaneously. Additional applications can be submitted after the first one is completed. Each guest can only be nominated once within the campaign. Registration closes on September 30th, but guests can arrive in Dubai until October 31st to meet the conditions.
After the guest arrives in Dubai, DET verifies the visit. Since authorities are automatically notified of visitor entries, no further action is required from residents. Once the arrival is confirmed, the relevant residents will receive an email with details of the benefits package and instructions on how to use the offers. The benefit packages will be issued in August, and the rewards are available until December 31, 2026.
It is important to note that guests must independently arrange flights, visas, accommodation, and travel expenses, as the campaign does not provide visa assistance. Residents can receive a maximum of three reward packages under this initiative.
Dubai offers various tourist visa options. Citizens of over 80 countries can enter on a visa on arrival. Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can enter without a visa, and GCC residents can obtain an e-visa. Transit visas for 48 or 96 hours are also available for all passport holders. Travelers can choose a single-entry or multiple-entry tourist visa. The application process usually takes about 48 hours.
UAE tourist visas can be extended for a total duration of up to 120 days within the country.
A single-entry tourist visa allows guests to enter Dubai once and stay for 30 or 60 days. It can be obtained through approved airlines, hotels, travel agencies, or authorized visa service providers. Applicants typically need a passport valid for at least six months, a recent passport-sized photo, and medical insurance. The visa cost is 200 dirhams for 30 days and 300 dirhams for 60 days, plus 5% VAT. Once leaving the UAE, the visa cannot be used for re-entry.
A multiple tourist visa allows foreign nationals to enter and exit the UAE multiple times during its validity period—30 or 60 days. The visa is issued for tourism purposes and requires a sponsor or host party in the UAE licensed in tourism. Applicants must pay the set visa fee and, if necessary, a financial deposit. For 30 days of multiple entry, the cost is 300 dirhams, and for 60 days, it is 500 dirhams, plus 5% VAT.
A five-year multiple tourist visa allows foreign nationals to visit the UAE multiple times over five years without the need for a host party or guarantor. This visa is intended for those visiting relatives or friends and permits stays of 30, 60, or 90 days per visit. Visitors can stay continuously in the UAE for up to 90 days at a time, with the possibility of extension for a similar period, provided the total stay does not exceed 180 days per year. The cost of the long-term multiple visa is 3713.5 dirhams, including application fees, issuance fees, and a 3000 dirham deposit. Additional fees may apply, such as Knowledge Dirham (10 dirhams), Innovation Dirham (10 dirhams), or UAE fee (500 dirhams).
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is known for its openness to individuals looking to improve their lives through the simplicity of obtaining visas, as well as its broad opportunities in career and lifestyle. One of the most attractive permits for tourists is the five-year multiple-entry visa.
This document allows travelers to enter the country for up to 90 days within five years, eliminating the need to apply for a new visa with each visit. The visa permits a stay of three months per entry, which can be extended by another 90 days within one year. This permit is available to citizens of all nationalities, reflecting the diversity of the UAE.
The visa was initially approved by the UAE Cabinet in 2021 during a meeting chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The goal of this step was to position the UAE as an ideal destination for tourism and work. At the same time, the cabinet approved a remote work visa allowing employees from around the world to live and work in the UAE for a year.
In addition to these permits, there are other initiatives aimed at attracting people to develop in the country and strengthen its infrastructure. Recently, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism announced the launch of the 'A Dubai Invite' program, which runs from July 20 to October 31, 2026. Under this program, residents can receive various rewards, such as hotel stays, restaurant offers, and city attractions visits, if they successfully nominate friends or family members and confirm their visit.
To apply for the five-year multiple-entry visa, several basic requirements must be met to avoid legal consequences or refusal. The applicant's passport or other travel documents must be valid for at least six months and allow entry into the country, as well as return to the country of permanent residence or the issuing country. An airline ticket for continuing the trip or exiting the UAE is also required.
Furthermore, the applicant must have valid medical insurance in the UAE. Documentary proof of a bank balance of $4,000 or its equivalent in other currencies must be provided six months prior to submitting the application. The applicant must not stay in the country continuously for more than 90 days; this period can be extended for a similar duration, provided the total number of days spent in the year does not exceed 180. A color passport-sized photograph is required. Family visas can be applied for children under 18. Depending on nationality, additional documents may be required, such as an Iraqi population pass, Iranian Censusnamah, or Pakistani or Afghan ID for beneficiaries.
Visa applications can be submitted through several channels: digital platforms such as the ICP and GDRFA websites, as well as physical customer service centers, printing centers, and GDRFA centers. Through any of these channels, processing the visa takes up to 48 hours.
Through digital channels, the applicant should log into the smart services system using UAE Pass or a login, find the application form for the five-year document, fill in the necessary details, and pay the service fee. If applying at customer service centers, GDRFA, or printing centers, one must visit the nearest such center, take an automatic ticket, wait in line, then submit the application with all information and documents, and complete the process by paying the fee.
The application fee amount may vary slightly depending on the submission location. When applying via the ICP website, clients must pay a fee of 3775 dirhams. If the application is submitted via the GDRFA website, the amount is 3713.5 dirhams. Additional fees include: application fee—100 dirhams, issuance fee—500 dirhams, guarantee deposit—3000 dirhams, guarantee service fee—21 dirhams, collection and return of guarantee fee—20 dirhams, plus 10 dirhams for Know Your Dirham and 10 dirhams for Innovative Dirham, and a total service fee of 52.5 dirhams.
To avoid fines or future refusals, it is important to follow specific rules after receiving the visa. The visa holder must enter the UAE within 60 days of the issue date. It is important to remember that the annual limit of 90 days is calculated from the date of the first entry into the UAE, not from the beginning of the calendar year or the visa issue date. Since this is a multiple-entry visa, re-entries are permitted as long as the stay does not exceed 90 days. The length of stay can be increased by an equal period if the total time in the year does not exceed 180 days. If the stay does not reach 90 days, the remaining days are not carried over to the next year. Violating the established length of stay invalidates the visa, and refunds are not issued. To track used time, the visa holder or their representative can request a travel report documenting entry and exit.
The application will be automatically rejected if the required data is not completed within 30 days of the return date, or if the application is returned three times due to missing information or incomplete documents. Usually, the reason for refusal is indicated if conditions are not met, but the authority reserves the right not to disclose the reason for refusal.
Unlike most cases where registration fees are non-refundable, the five-year multiple-entry visa provides for a refund in case of cancellation, expiration, or refusal. In case of refusal, the applicant receives a refund of the issuance fee, medical insurance fees, and paid financial deposits. Refunds for paid fees are made to the credit card used for payment within 180 days from the main application date. If the refund conditions are met, the applicant can request a refund by check or bank transfer to banks located in the UAE. If the main application date exceeds 180 days, the refund will only be made by check or bank transfer to UAE banks, and this process may begin within five years from the date the right to refund arises. It should be noted that financial deposits are collected directly in case of violation of rules regarding entry and stay in the country.
Due to the impact of the war on the tourism industry, Dubai has begun taking steps to attract visitors. Dubai residents can receive the equivalent of 3000 dirhams, which is about 815 US dollars, if they invite their family or friends to visit the city.
Despite the apparent unusualness of this initiative, the realities of the war necessitate unconventional measures. The amount of $815 will not be issued in cash; instead, it will be provided in the form of various benefits, such as discounts on hotel bookings and free attraction visits.
This offer is valid only for guests arriving between July 20 and October 31. This time frame covers the summer months, which are usually the low season for the hospitality industry, but under the current conditions of war, this season has proven extremely difficult.
This step is part of a broader package of measures aimed at maintaining the viability of the industry. These measures include the suspension of the 5.45 dollar nightly tax and the cancellation of the 7% municipal tax added to hotel and restaurant bills. This entire set of measures is part of a $400 million package approved by Dubai to save businesses and the tourism sector amid the ongoing conflict.
The benefits include, among others, the following offers: 45% discounts on all room types, suites, and villas at Melia Desert Palm, as well as gift vouchers for spa treatments worth 100 dirhams per person and for food and beverages worth 100 dirhams per stay. Additionally, guests can benefit from a 35% discount on the best available rate and a free room upgrade at ME Dubai by Melia.
Full refunds are also provided when booking at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Waterpark, W Dubai Mina Seyahi, or The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi. Extra bonuses include a free entry ticket to Aquaventure World, a free day pass at IMG Worlds of Adventure, and a 50% discount at Grand Hyatt Dubai Waterpark.
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism has announced the launch of the 'A Dubai Invite' program, which will run from July 20 to October 31, 2026. This initiative allows residents of the emirate to access various offers, including hotel stays, dining discounts, and visits to attractions costing over 3000 dirhams.
To participate, residents must apply through the program's online form, providing details of the invited family members or friends and their expected arrival date. Although an unlimited number of nominations can be submitted, a maximum of five applications can be submitted simultaneously.
Once the invited guest arrives in Dubai between July 20 and October 31, 2026, their visit will be automatically verified. Residents will then receive an email with a package of benefits and instructions on how to use the offers. Unless otherwise stated, the bonuses are valid until December 31, 2026. The program is open to UAE citizens and residents holding a valid Emirates ID.
Invited guests must be non-residents of the UAE and enter Dubai using a valid tourist or visit visa during the campaign period. Guests are responsible for arranging flights, visas, accommodation, and all travel expenses themselves. Registration for residents closes on September 30, 2026, although guests can arrive until October 31, 2026, to meet the requirements.
The program is designed to encourage Dubai residents to share their experiences of the city with friends and family while providing visitors with additional incentives to explore the emirate.
The benefits package includes special offers from a range of Dubai hotels and attractions. It is important to note that participating hotels, attractions, and offers are subject to availability and may change during the campaign.
Specifically, Melia Desert Palm offers a 45% discount on rooms, suites, and villas. Additionally, guests receive vouchers for spa treatments and dining worth 100 dirhams per person and per stay, respectively. At ME Dubai by Meliá, guests can benefit from a 35% discount on best available rates, as well as a complimentary room upgrade, with children under 12 staying free. A 35% discount is also provided for the daytime restaurant, room service, spa, and laundry. At the Mina Seyahi group of hotels (Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark, W Dubai - Mina Seyahi, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi), guests receive a refund for the room cost, which they can use at various high-end restaurants and for relaxation at spa centers.
Guests can take advantage of an IHG offer allowing them to pay for two nights and receive the third free at participating properties. The hotel group also provides discounts on restaurants of up to 30%. The verification process is carried out by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) through authorized government systems after the guest's arrival. Bonuses are provided only after DET confirms that the invited guest meets the selection criteria and has arrived during the campaign period.
