UAE residents and citizens can now invite friends or family members from overseas to visit Dubai and unlock an exclusive package of hotel, dining, attraction and lifestyle offers worth more than AED 3,000.
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism has introduced “A Dubai Invite”, a city ambassador programme designed to encourage people living in the UAE to welcome their loved ones to Dubai.
Under the campaign, eligible UAE residents and citizens can nominate friends or relatives who live outside the UAE. Once the nominated visitors arrive in Dubai during the eligible travel period, the resident may receive a benefits package featuring offers from participating hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions and lifestyle providers.
The campaign’s message is simple: “You’re their best reason to visit.”
What Is the A Dubai Invite Campaign?
A Dubai Invite is a tourism initiative that rewards eligible UAE residents and citizens for inviting overseas friends and family members to experience Dubai.
Visitors must travel to Dubai between 20 July and 31 October 2026. After their arrival is verified, the person who nominated them can unlock benefits valued at more than AED 3,000.
These benefits are provided as discounts, complimentary experiences and special offers. The AED 3,000 amount is not a direct cash payment.
What Benefits Can Residents Receive?
The benefits package may include special offers across several categories, such as:
- Complimentary or discounted hotel stays
- Restaurant and dining offers
- Tickets and discounts for Dubai attractions
- Waterpark and entertainment offers
- Transport and mobility benefits
- Resort credits
- Lifestyle services and privileges
Participating brands reported in connection with the programme include:
- W Dubai – Mina Seyahi
- The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi
- Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark
- Meliá Desert Palm
- IHG Hotels & Resorts
- Careem
- Hala
The exact benefits may vary depending on availability and the individual terms of each participating partner.
Who Is Eligible to Participate?
The person submitting the nomination must:
- Be a UAE citizen or UAE resident
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold a valid Emirates ID
- Register the visitor before the visitor arrives in Dubai
The nominated friend or family member must:
- Live outside the UAE
- Not be a UAE resident
- Hold a valid tourist visa or qualify for a visa on arrival
- Arrive in Dubai during the campaign’s eligible travel period
- Enter Dubai by air, sea or road
The visitor must be registered before travelling. A person who is already in Dubai may not qualify as a new nominated visitor.
Important Campaign Dates
Residents planning to participate should note the following dates:
Visitor arrival period:
20 July to 31 October 2026
Nomination deadline:
Reported programme information states that nominations should be submitted by 30 September 2026.
Benefits redemption deadline:
Most benefits remain available until 31 December 2026, unless a specific offer has an earlier expiry date or separate conditions.
Residents should submit nominations early rather than waiting until the visitor’s travel date.
How to Nominate Friends or Family Members
The nomination process can be completed online through the official Visit Dubai website.
Step 1: Open the Official Campaign Page
Visit the official campaign page on Visit Dubai.
Step 2: Select “Nominate Now”
Choose the nomination option and proceed to the online form.
Step 3: Enter the Resident’s Details
The UAE resident or citizen may need to provide information such as:
- Full name
- Contact details
- Emirates ID information
- Other details required for eligibility verification
Step 4: Add the Visitor’s Details
Provide the requested information about the friend or family member travelling to Dubai.
The details should match the visitor’s official travel documents.
Step 5: Submit Before the Visitor Arrives
The nomination must be completed before the nominated guest reaches Dubai.
Step 6: Wait for Arrival Verification
Residents do not normally need to report the visitor’s arrival separately. The visitor’s entry into Dubai will be verified automatically through the programme.
Step 7: Receive the Benefits Package
After the eligible visitor’s arrival is confirmed, the resident should receive an email explaining the available rewards and how to redeem them.
Programme reporting indicates that reward emails may be issued within approximately 72 hours of verified arrival.
How Many People Can Be Nominated?
Residents may add up to five visitors travelling together in a single nomination, according to published programme information. Additional groups may be registered through separate submissions.
However, each eligible resident can receive a maximum of three verified benefits packages during the campaign.
Each visitor may only be nominated once. When the same visitor has already been registered by another UAE resident, a later nomination may not qualify.
Does the Campaign Provide a Dubai Visit Visa?
No. A Dubai Invite does not automatically provide or arrange a tourist visa.
Visitors who require a UAE visit visa must obtain the appropriate visa separately before travelling. Visitors who are eligible for a visa on arrival may travel according to the applicable UAE entry requirements.
Visa approval is separate from campaign registration, and participation in the campaign does not guarantee entry into the UAE.
Are the AED 3,000 Benefits Paid in Cash?
No. Residents should not expect an AED 3,000 bank transfer or cash reward.
The advertised value refers to a combined collection of hotel, restaurant, attraction, transport and lifestyle offers worth more than AED 3,000.
The actual amount saved will depend on:
- Which offers the resident uses
- Availability on the requested dates
- Booking requirements
- Minimum-spend conditions
- Blackout dates
- Individual partner terms
- The expiry date of each offer
Residents should carefully review the conditions attached to every benefit before making a booking.
Important Conditions to Remember
Before submitting a nomination, residents should understand these major rules:
- The nominee must live outside the UAE.
- The nominee cannot be a UAE resident.
- The nomination must be submitted before the visitor arrives.
- The visitor must travel during the eligible campaign period.
- Each visitor can only be nominated once.
- Each resident can receive a maximum of three qualifying benefits packages.
- The campaign does not include visa processing.
- Offers are subject to availability and individual partner conditions.
- Some benefits may require advance reservations.
- Certain dates may be excluded.
- Unused benefits may expire after the stated redemption period.
The organiser may change, replace or withdraw offers, so participants should verify the latest information on the official campaign page before making travel or booking decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any UAE resident participate?
Eligible UAE residents and citizens who are at least 18 years old and hold a valid Emirates ID may participate, subject to verification.
Can I nominate someone who already lives in the UAE?
No. The nominated person must be a non-UAE resident living overseas.
Can I nominate a visitor who has already arrived?
The visitor should be nominated before arriving in Dubai. Registering someone after arrival may make the nomination ineligible.
Can I nominate more than one person?
Yes. Up to five people travelling together may be included in one submission, while additional groups may be submitted separately.
How many rewards can one resident receive?
A resident may receive a maximum of three verified benefits packages during the campaign.
Will I receive AED 3,000 in cash?
No. The reward consists of offers and benefits collectively valued at more than AED 3,000.
When must my visitor arrive?
The nominated visitor must arrive in Dubai between 20 July and 31 October 2026.
How will I receive the offers?
After the visitor’s arrival is successfully verified, the resident should receive an email containing the benefits package and redemption instructions.
Can the visitor enter through another emirate?
Published eligibility information states that the visitor must arrive in Dubai by air, sea or road. Participants should confirm the latest entry and verification requirements through the official campaign page before booking.
Final Summary
A Dubai Invite gives UAE residents and citizens an opportunity to welcome overseas friends and family members while enjoying offers worth more than AED 3,000.
Eligible residents must register their visitors before arrival, and the visitors must come to Dubai during the campaign period. Once the arrival is verified, the resident can receive a package featuring hotel stays, dining privileges, attraction tickets and other lifestyle benefits.
The promotion does not provide cash or include visa arrangements. Every offer remains subject to availability, expiry dates and the participating company’s terms.
Residents interested in the programme should complete their nomination through the official Visit Dubai website and confirm all current requirements before their guests travel.
