A 90,000-application Dubai Invite program concludes.
Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has closed registrations for its ‘A Dubai Invite’ initiative after receiving more than 90,000 applications from residents. The campaign, launched on July 20, was designed to encourage Dubai residents to invite friends and family members to visit the destination and experience the city through the recommendations of those who live there.
The initiative generated strong interest from Dubai’s diverse resident community, representing around 200 nationalities. Due to the overwhelming response and strong support from participating tourism partners, DET increased the number of available benefit packages threefold. More than 30,000 perk packages have already been distributed to successful applicants.
Although registrations have now closed, residents who successfully registered their guests before the programme reached its limit will continue to receive the announced benefits. Eligible travellers must arrive in Dubai by October 31, 2026. Their arrival will be verified by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA – Dubai), after which successful applicants will receive their benefits within 72 hours. The perks can be used at participating hotels, restaurants, attractions, leisure venues and other businesses until December 31, 2026.
The programme forms part of Dubai’s focus on the visiting friends and relatives (VFR) segment, which plays an important role in the city’s tourism economy. By encouraging residents to act as destination ambassadors, DET aims to showcase Dubai through authentic personal experiences, recommendations and local knowledge.
Noor Al Geziry, AVP, Special Projects & MENA, DET, said the success of ‘A Dubai Invite’ demonstrated the enthusiasm of residents to share Dubai with their friends and family. She also thanked the programme’s public- and private-sector partners for helping expand its capacity and create meaningful experiences for visitors.
The initiative brought together a wide range of tourism partners, including hotels, restaurants, attractions, leisure operators and transportation providers. Participating hospitality brands included IHG Hotels & Resorts properties, W Dubai Mina Seyahi, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark, Melia Desert Palm and ME Dubai by Melia.
Additional benefits were available at attractions and dining venues including Aquaventure Waterpark, IMG Worlds of Adventure, Grand Hyatt Waterpark and several restaurants and entertainment venues. Careem also supported the programme through complimentary Careem Plus membership and selected Hala Taxi and travel benefits.
DET said it will continue working with tourism partners and Dubai’s resident community to strengthen the VFR segment and encourage more visitors to discover the city through local recommendations.
