Dubai has launched a new tourism incentive programme encouraging residents to invite friends and family to visit the emirate by offering benefits worth more than AED3,000 (approximately $816) per visitor, as authorities seek to revive the tourism sector following months of regional conflict.
The initiative, titled “A Dubai Invite,” was announced by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and will run from July 20 to October 31. Under the programme, residents can nominate relatives and friends through the official campaign website, allowing invited visitors to access discounts on hotel stays, dining, attractions, and other tourism experiences.
According to the Dubai government, the campaign aims to increase visitor arrivals during the summer season, which is traditionally a low period for tourism due to extreme temperatures that can reach 50°C.
Tourism Recovery Follows Regional Conflict
The programme comes as Dubai works to restore tourism after the United Arab Emirates experienced disruptions linked to regional hostilities earlier this year. Missile and drone attacks during the conflict damaged several hotels and tourist sites, prompting a decline in international visitor numbers during the peak winter travel season.
Although a ceasefire that took effect on April 8 has led to a gradual return of tourists, the hospitality sector continues to rely heavily on domestic and regional visitors, according to industry sources.
To support economic recovery, Dubai has introduced multiple relief packages in recent months. In May, the government approved an economic support package exceeding $400 million, including municipal fee exemptions for hotels and restaurants, reduced customs penalties, and lower civil aviation permit fees. A separate relief package worth more than $270 million was announced in late March to assist businesses and households affected by the regional crisis.