DUBAI: Dubai has launched a new incentive programme offering residents benefits worth more than AED3,000 (around $816) for inviting friends and family to visit the emirate, as authorities seek to accelerate the recovery of the tourism sector following months of regional conflict.
The initiative, titled ‘A Dubai Invite’, was announced on Wednesday by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. Running until October 31, the campaign encourages residents to act as ambassadors for the city by inviting loved ones to experience Dubai.
Under the programme, residents who register eligible visitors through the official campaign website can unlock rewards worth more than AED3,000, including complimentary or discounted hotel stays, dining experiences, tickets to popular attractions and other exclusive offers.
Authorities said the scheme is designed to strengthen tourism during the traditionally quieter summer period, when temperatures across the United Arab Emirates frequently approach 50°C, leading to a seasonal decline in international visitor arrivals.
Residents can nominate friends or relatives planning to travel to Dubai between July 20 and October 31, enabling them to enjoy the promotional benefits throughout their stay.
Dubai seeks to revive tourism
Dubai, which welcomed approximately 19.5 million visitors annually before the recent regional crisis, has long been regarded as one of the Middle East’s leading tourism and leisure destinations.
However, the tourism sector has faced significant challenges since the outbreak of the regional conflict in February, which undermined the Gulf’s reputation as a stable travel destination.
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Although the UAE was not directly involved in the latest US-Iran confrontation, it experienced the impact of the wider conflict as Iranian missile and drone attacks struck several high-profile locations, including hotels on Palm Jumeirah and the iconic Burj Al Arab, prompting many tourists to cancel or postpone their visits during the peak winter season.
Since a fragile ceasefire took effect on April 8, visitor numbers have gradually begun to recover. Nevertheless, industry representatives say many hotels continue to depend heavily on domestic guests and long-term residents rather than international tourists.
To support economic recovery, the Dubai government approved a relief package exceeding $400 million in May, introducing measures such as exemptions from municipal fees for hotels and restaurants, lower penalties for customs violations and reduced civil aviation permit charges.
The latest support followed an earlier assistance package worth more than $270 million, announced in March, aimed at easing financial pressure on businesses and households affected by the conflict and disruption to regional trade routes, including Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
