Dubai has launched a new promotional campaign to mitigate regional impacts on its tourism sector. The program, called "A Dubai Invite," encourages residents to invite their family and friends from abroad to Dubai. In return for successful invitations, advantages worth 3,000 United Arab Emirates dirhams for hotels, restaurants, and tourist activities are offered.

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

Tourism Experiences Offered Instead of Cash

Under the program, individuals residing in Dubai can invite their relatives living abroad to the city between specified dates. After the invited visitor completes their trip, the inviter gains 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 obtain separate benefits for a maximum of three visitors. Thus, the total earnings can exceed 9,000 dirhams.

Visits Must Take Place by the 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 the program requires visits to take place between July 20 and October 31, 2026, it is stated that some of the earned benefits can be used until the end of the year. Each visitor can benefit from the campaign only once.

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

Saw Strong Interest in Early Days

According to information in the local press, the campaign quickly garnered significant interest, with over 10,000 applications made 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 achieved 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.

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