The Dubai Invite Scheme, officially called “A Dubai Invite,” is a campaign by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) that rewards UAE residents with over Dh3,000 in hotel, dining, attraction, and transport benefits when a nominated friend or family member from abroad visits Dubai. Guests must arrive between 20 July and 31 October 2026, and residents must register the nomination by 30 September 2026. Visitors still need to arrange their own flights, accommodation, and visa, which is where a visa service can save time.
If you have been putting off inviting a parent, sibling, or close friend to Dubai, this campaign gives you a concrete reason to finally book it, plus some real perks once they land. Here is exactly how it works, who qualifies, and what to sort out before the deadline.
What Is the Dubai Invite Scheme?
The Dubai Invite Scheme is a resident-rewards campaign, not a new visa type. It sits alongside the UAE’s existing family and friends visit visa system and simply adds an incentive: invite someone from overseas, get rewards once they arrive. Residents act as hosts and nominate their guest through an official online form, and the reward package (hotels, dining, attractions, transport discounts) is issued automatically once the visitor’s entry into Dubai is verified.
Key Dates and Rules at a Glance
| Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Campaign arrival window | 20 July to 31 October 2026 |
| Nomination registration deadline | 30 September 2026 |
| Reward package issued | By email, after arrival is verified (packages began going out in August) |
| Reward redemption window | Until 31 December 2026, unless an individual offer states otherwise |
| Who can nominate | UAE residents and citizens |
| Who can be nominated | Non-UAE residents, one nomination per visitor across the whole campaign |
| Visitor requirement | Must arrive on a valid tourist or visit visa |
| Who pays for the trip | Visitor arranges and pays for their own flights, visa, and accommodation |
How Does the Dubai Invite Scheme Work?
Registering a guest and claiming rewards is a five-step process that takes only a few minutes on the resident’s side.
- Nominate your guest through the official campaign form before 30 September 2026.
- Submit their details, including expected arrival information.
- Your guest arrives in Dubai on a valid tourist or visit visa within the campaign window.
- Entry is verified automatically, since immigration authorities confirm arrivals without any extra step from you.
- You receive your rewards package by email, with instructions on how to redeem each offer.
Who Is Eligible to Nominate a Guest?
Eligibility sits on both sides of the invitation: the host must be a UAE resident or citizen, and the guest must be a genuine overseas visitor.
- The host must currently hold valid UAE residency or citizenship.
- The guest must not be a UAE resident and must enter on a valid tourist or visit visa.
- Each guest can be nominated only once across the entire campaign, even by different hosts.
- Nominations must be submitted before the registration deadline, not after the guest has already arrived.
Does My Guest Still Need a Visa?
Yes. The Dubai Invite Scheme does not replace or waive visa requirements. Depending on nationality, a guest may already qualify for visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival, but many nationalities still need a UAE visit visa arranged in advance. This is typically done either independently or through a resident sponsoring them via the family and friends visit visa route.
For guests who do need a visa, applying early matters more under this scheme than usual, since the campaign has a fixed arrival window. A visa delay could mean missing the 31 October cutoff entirely.
Check visa options and apply →
What Rewards Can You Unlock?
The exact benefits package varies by resident and by participating partner, but the campaign is built around four reward categories.
- Hotel stays – complimentary or discounted nights at participating properties.
- Dining offers – discounts or set experiences at partner restaurants.
- Attraction tickets – reduced or free entry to select Dubai attractions.
- Transport perks – ride discounts to help guests get around during their stay.
Since offers depend on partner availability, no two reward packages are guaranteed to look identical.
Should You Book a Package Tour for Your Guest’s Visit?
Many hosts use the campaign as the reason to finally plan a proper visit rather than a casual stay. If your guest is visiting for the first time, a structured itinerary often makes the trip smoother than leaving everything unplanned, especially if you are working during the week and cannot show them around every day.
See tour packages for visiting family and friends →
Ready to Invite Your Guest?
If your guest needs a visa before they can travel, get it sorted well before the 30 September registration deadline so their arrival still qualifies for the campaign. Apply for a visit visa now or get a free quote for their full stay, consultants respond within 2 hours.
