10,000 Applications Flood Dubai's New Tourism Campaign as Residents Earn Over AED 3,000 in Travel Rewards

Dubai’s newly launched tourism initiative "A Dubai Invite" drew more than 10,000 applications within the first 48 hours, as the emirate offers residents reward packages worth in excess of AED 3,000 for every eligible visitor they bring to the city. The campaign, rolled out by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), allows residents aged 18 and above with a valid Emirates ID to nominate family members or friends living abroad; once a nominated visitor arrives and their entry is verified, the resident receives a bundle of hotel, dining, attraction and transport benefits.

“We’ve seen an overwhelming response,” said Noor Algeziry, Associate Vice President for MENA & Special Projects at the Department of Economy and Tourism. She added that the department is reassessing the initial cap on the number of reward packages available in light of the demand.

The program’s mechanics are straightforward. Residents can register nominees before travel; when the visitor arrives in Dubai between July 20 and October 31, 2026, their entry is confirmed through official border systems and the nominating resident is emailed a rewards package within 72 hours. The DET has confirmed the packages carry benefits worth more than AED 3,000 per eligible visitor and include discounted hotel stays, restaurant and dining offers, attraction and entertainment experiences, and transport deals. Rewards are valid until December 31, 2026, unless a participating partner specifies an earlier expiry.

Campaign details and immediate impact

The initiative is designed to mobilise residents as ambassadors for the city during the summer and autumn travel seasons, converting personal networks into a source of inbound visitors. In addition to the core eligibility requirements—residents aged 18 years and older holding a valid Emirates ID and nominees living outside the UAE—the DET has built verification into border entry systems to ensure that rewards are issued only after an eligible visitor’s arrival is recorded.

• Application surge: more than 10,000 in first 48 hours
• Reward value: packages exceed AED 3,000 per eligible visitor
• Travel window for qualifying arrivals: July 20 – October 31, 2026
• Reward validity: until December 31, 2026 (unless partner limits apply)
• Delivery timeline: reward email sent within 72 hours after entry verification

DET officials have already signalled operational changes may be required. The unexpectedly high uptake prompted a reassessment of the initial cap on the number of packages, with Noor Algeziry indicating the department is reviewing limits to accommodate demand while managing partner capacity. The administration of partner offers—hotels, restaurants, attractions and transport providers—will be central to how quickly the DET can scale the program.

Outlook

If the DET increases the cap, the campaign could significantly boost short-term inbound arrivals by leveraging Dubai’s resident population as a direct referral channel. For tourism partners—hotels, dining venues and attractions—the surge represents both an opportunity and a logistical challenge: rapid onboarding of visitors under promotional terms, and ensuring availability aligns with the promised benefits. The DET’s verification-driven delivery model and the set expiry of benefits through the end of 2026 create a clear timeline for partners and residents alike as Dubai seeks to translate the early enthusiasm into booked stays and experiences over the coming months.