Dubai has now closed registrations for its ‘A Dubai Invite’ scheme after receiving more than 90,000 applications from residents for the initiative, which offers discounts and perks for inviting friends and family from overseas to visit the emirate.
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Launched in July, the programme encouraged residents to become “ambassadors of the city by welcoming their loved ones to Dubai”. Under the scheme, residents could access benefits worth more than AED 3,000 (€700), including discounted hotel stays, dining offers and free or reduced-price tickets to some of Dubai’s biggest attractions.
According to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the “exceptional response” and strong demand saw the tourism body and its programme partners increase the number of benefit packages available by “more than three times”.
So far, more than 30,000 packages have been distributed and, while new registrations are now closed, the programme isn’t over for those who successfully applied.
Eligible visitors who were registered before the final allocation was reached can still arrive in Dubai until 31 October 2026. Guests must travel directly to Dubai from outside the UAE to qualify.
Benefits are distributed to successful applicants within 72 hours of their guests’ arrival and can be used at participating venues until 31 December.
What discounts are included?
When the initiative launched in July, residents were offered benefits across hotels, restaurants, attractions and transport.
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 hotels from IHG Hotels & Resorts.
Offers are also available at popular attractions including Aquaventure Waterpark and IMG Worlds of Adventure, and a range of restaurants.
In a post on LinkedIn, DET said that the strong response highlights the importance of the visiting friends and relatives segment to Dubai’s tourism ecosystem.
The initiative comes as Dubai looks to maintain the growth of its tourism sector following a record 19.59 million international visitors in 2025. However, the picture has been more challenging in 2026, with escalating conflict involving the US and Iran disrupting travel and aviation across the Gulf region.