Last call for ‘A Dubai Invite’ following exceptional resident demand

Programme capacity increased three times since launch; last chance to register over the coming days

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 14 August 2026: The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has announced a last call for residents to register for ‘A Dubai Invite’, following exceptional demand that has seen the programme’s capacity increase three times since its launch on 20 July.

Approximately 20,000 successful applicants have already received their benefits, with more to be confirmed as visitors of successful applicants arrive. DET and its programme partners have expanded the number of available benefit packages in response to the strong uptake. With registrations now approaching the programme’s final capacity, residents are encouraged to apply as soon as possible before the remaining allocation is taken up.

Launched to recognise the important role residents play as ambassadors and advocates for the city, ‘A Dubai Invite’ provides access to privileges to those who invite friends and family to experience the destination. The response reflects the enthusiasm of Dubai’s diverse community, representing close to 200 nationalities, for sharing the city they call home with visitors from around the world.

Noor Al Geziry, AVP, Special Projects & MENA at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: “The response to ‘A Dubai Invite’ has been incredibly positive, and it reaffirms that our residents are our greatest advocates. This programme was always intended as a way of saying thank you to the people who call Dubai home, and who proudly share this city with their friends and family. We are grateful to all our partners across the public and private sectors whose collaboration has made this programme possible. As a result of resident demand, we have worked with our partners to increase the programme’s capacity three times since its launch. Together, we have shown what is possible through genuine partnership, and when we collectively embrace the ‘Dubai-it’ mindset.”

‘A Dubai Invite’ marks the culmination of almost a year of collaboration with stakeholders across the public and private sectors, and demonstrates how strong partnerships can deliver tangible value to the community. The initiative also builds on DET’s long-standing focus on the Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) segment and campaigns such as ‘Dubai. If You Go, You Know’, which similarly recognises the role residents play in shaping and sharing Dubai’s evolving story.

Residents with visitors arriving between 20 July and 31 October 2026 can register their guests through the official programme platform. Visitor arrivals are then confirmed through a unified verification process supported by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA – Dubai). Once verified, residents gain access to benefits from participating hotels, attractions, restaurants and lifestyle destinations across the city.

Deals are valid until 31 December 2026 at partner venues including Aquaventure Waterpark, IMG Worlds of Adventure, and Grand Hyatt Waterpark, as well as at F&B outlets including Asia Asia, Ula, Papas, The 305, and Lock, Stock & Barrel. Benefits also include discounts and resort credits at participating hotels, including W Dubai Mina Seyahi, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark, Melia Desert Palm, and ME Dubai by Melia, as well as properties across the IHG Hotels & Resorts portfolio in the city.

With final registrations being accepted over the coming days, eligible residents are encouraged to apply without delay. Registrations will stay open while the remaining benefit packages are available.

For further information about the programme, full terms and conditions, and details on how to register, please visit: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/invite.

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About the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)

With the ultimate vision of making Dubai the world’s leading commercial centre, investment hub and tourism destination, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is mandated to support the Government in positioning the emirate as a major hub for global economy and tourism, and in boosting the city’s economic and tourism competitiveness indicators, in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy by 2033 and further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global destination for business and leisure.

Under this remit, DET is driving efforts to further enhance Dubai’s diversified, innovative service-based economy to attract top global talent, deliver a world-class business environment and accelerate productivity growth. Additionally, DET is supporting Dubai’s vision to become the world’s best city to visit, live and work in by promoting its diverse destination proposition, unique lifestyle and outstanding quality of life, overall.

DET is the principal authority for planning, supervising, developing and marketing Dubai’s business and tourism sectors. It is also responsible for licensing and classifying all types of businesses, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents. DET’s portfolio includes Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation (DBLC), Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT), Dubai SME, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) and Dubai College of Tourism (DCT).