Dubai Invite receives 10,000 applications in 48 hours as demand exceeds expectations

Dubai’s newly launched Dubai Invite tourism incentive program has attracted more than 10,000 applications within its first 48 hours, prompting authorities to review the cap on the number of reward packages available.

Speaking on Dubai Eye’s Business Breakfast, Noor Algeziry, Associate Vice President, MENA & Special Projects at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said demand had significantly exceeded expectations since the program’s launch.

“We’ve seen an overwhelming response,” Algeziry said, adding that while DET had initially set a limit on the number of reward packages, it is now reassessing that cap following the strong uptake.

The announcement comes a day after Dubai launched the Dubai Invite campaign, offering UAE citizens and residents reward packages worth more than AED3,000 ($817) when eligible family members or friends living abroad visit the emirate.

The initiative forms part of Dubai’s broader tourism strategy to boost international arrivals during the summer and autumn travel season. Eligible visitors must arrive between July 20 and October 31, and residents can receive up to three reward packages during the campaign.

The incentives include accommodation, dining, attractions, and transport through participating partners, including W Dubai Mina Seyahi, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark, Meliá Desert Palm, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Careem, and Hala.

Residents aged 18 and above with a valid Emirates ID can nominate eligible visitors through the program’s online portal before they travel. Visitors must reside outside the UAE and enter the country either on a tourist visa or under the visa-on-arrival program.

Once a visitor’s arrival is verified through Dubai’s border systems, DET will email the resident’s reward package within 72 hours. The benefits remain valid until December 31 unless individual partner offers expire earlier.

Each visitor may be nominated only once, while each resident is eligible for a maximum of three reward packages. Residents may still invite additional guests after reaching that limit, although no further rewards will be issued.

The program builds on Dubai’s continued tourism growth. The emirate welcomed 19.59 million international overnight visitors in 2025, up 5% from 18.72 million in 2024. Both December 2025 and January 2026 recorded more than 2 million visitors each.

Running alongside Dubai Summer Surprises 2026, which features discounts of up to 90%, AED10 ($2.72) meal deals, concerts, and family entertainment through August 30, the initiative is designed to encourage residents to bring more international visitors to the emirate while boosting spending across hotels, restaurants, attractions, and transport services.