Dubai has launched a new promotional campaign to mitigate regional impacts on its tourism sector. The program, named "A Dubai Invite," encourages residents to invite their family and friends from abroad to Dubai. Successful invitations are rewarded with hotel, restaurant, and tourist activity perks worth 3,000 United Arab Emirates dirhams.

Implemented by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the initiative aims to transform city residents into voluntary tourism ambassadors for the destination.

Tourism Experiences Offered Instead of Cash

Under the program, Dubai residents can invite their loved ones living abroad to the city between specified dates. After the invited visitor completes their trip, the inviter receives various tourism privileges.

Packages, valued at over approximately 700 euros, include free or discounted hotel stays, restaurant offers, admissions to tourist attractions, and various lifestyle experiences. Each Dubai resident can earn separate benefits for up to three visitors, potentially increasing total earnings to over 9,000 dirhams.

Visits Must Occur by End of October

To benefit from the campaign, invited individuals must reside outside the United Arab Emirates and enter the country with a valid tourist visa.

While visits under the program are required to take place between July 20 and October 31, 2026, some earned benefits can be used until the end of the year. Each visitor can only benefit from the campaign once.

Visit Dubai, the official tourism platform of Dubai, promotes the campaign with the message: "Invite your loved ones to discover the city you live in and enjoy exclusive benefits at Dubai's best hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions."

Met with Strong Interest in Early Days

According to information in the local press, the campaign quickly garnered significant interest, with over 10,000 applications submitted within the first 48 hours.

This indicates that Dubai's large international population can play a significant role in revitalizing tourism through visits from friends and relatives.

New Momentum Targeted in Tourism

Dubai had showcased one of its most successful tourism performances in history by hosting approximately 20 million international visitors in 2025. However, recent geopolitical developments in the Middle East and increasing security concerns have negatively impacted air travel and demand for travel.

With the new campaign, the emirate's administration aims to increase tourist numbers by boosting visits from friends and family, and further strengthen Dubai's image as a safe, easily accessible, and attractive holiday destination in international markets.

Locals Placed at the Heart of Marketing

The "A Dubai Invite" program goes beyond traditional advertising campaigns, making millions of Dubai residents an active part of destination promotion.

While this referral model, based on close circles, is expected to strengthen the element of trust, similar campaigns are anticipated to be implemented in other tourism destinations if the initiative proves successful.