Tengrinews.kz — Dubai has launched a new program, A Dubai Invite, which provides rewards for UAE residents and citizens who invite friends and relatives from abroad.
For each eligible guest, participants will be able to receive a bonus package worth more than 3,000 dirhams, or about 380,000 tenge. However, this does not involve cash payments, but rather discounts, certificates and other offers from program partners.
The initiative was presented by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The program is aimed at developing so-called VFR tourism — visits to friends and relatives.
DET explained that the program “allows Dubai residents and citizens to invite friends and relatives from abroad and, after their arrival is confirmed, receive bonuses provided by Dubai DET.” The department separately emphasized that A Dubai Invite is not a lottery, raffle or contest, and does not cover flights, accommodation or visa processing for invited guests.
Who can participate
UAE residents and citizens over the age of 18 who hold a valid Emirates ID can take part. To do so, they must register the details of arriving friends or relatives in advance through a special online form before they arrive in the emirate.
Invited guests must meet several conditions. They cannot be UAE residents and must enter Dubai between July 20 and October 31, 2026, on a tourist visa, under a visa-free entry regime or with a visa on arrival. They can enter the emirate by any means — by air, sea or land.
The program does not include visa processing. DET emphasized that invited guests are responsible for obtaining all necessary documents and paying travel-related expenses themselves.
How the program works
After guests cross the border, participants do not need to additionally report their arrival. According to DET, arrival will be confirmed automatically through government systems.
“After your visitors arrive, we will send an email within 72 hours with instructions on how to receive the bonuses. Benefit packages will begin to be sent out from August 2026,” the program materials say.
Up to five invitations can be submitted at the same time. If more guests need to be registered, additional applications may be submitted.
What bonuses can be received
Each bonus package is worth more than 3,000 dirhams. It includes offers from hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions and various services.
The program’s partners include W Dubai Mina Seyahi, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark, Meliá Desert Palm, IHG Hotels & Resorts, as well as Careem and Hala.
The received offers will be valid until December 31, 2026, unless a different expiration date is set for a specific bonus.
Program restrictions
The organizers have set several restrictions. One resident may submit an application for a maximum of five guests at once, but each participant can receive no more than three bonus packages during the entire program period, regardless of the number of people invited.
In addition, the same tourist can be registered only once. If another participant has already listed that person, a repeat application will not be counted.
The organizers also clarify that the arrival of at least one person from the group listed in the application is enough for the participant to become eligible for bonuses.
What is important to know
DET noted that the program does not cover travel expenses. Invited guests pay for their own flights, accommodation, transport and other related costs, and also arrange the necessary visas and documents themselves. The department is not responsible if a tourist is denied entry or a visa.
In addition, bonuses are provided subject to availability and may include offers from partner companies. The organizers emphasize that they reserve the right to change the list of available offers, the program terms or terminate the program without prior notice.