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Dubai has launched a new incentive programme encouraging residents to invite friends and relatives from overseas, offering rewards worth more than 3,000 dirhams (€716) as the emirate seeks to strengthen international tourism following months of regional instability.
The initiative, called A Dubai Invite, was introduced by Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). It is open to residents and citizens aged 18 and over who hold a valid Emirates ID. Officials say residents are best placed to promote the city through personal recommendations.
Participants must register their guests online before they arrive in the United Arab Emirates. Each application can include up to five visitors, with no limit on the number of submissions. However, each resident can receive a maximum of three reward packages.
Eligible visitors must live outside the UAE and enter the country on either a tourist visa or a visa on arrival. Their arrival is verified automatically through government systems, while travel, visa and accommodation costs remain the responsibility of the visitors.
To qualify, guests must arrive between 20 July and 31 October. Rewards can be redeemed until 31 December and include hotel discounts of up to 45% at selected properties, spa and restaurant credits, reduced admission to attractions such as Aquaventure Waterpark and IMG Worlds of Adventure, a complimentary Careem Plus subscription and discounted Hala Taxi rides.
The programme comes during Dubai's traditionally quiet summer tourism season, when temperatures regularly exceed 50°C. This year, visitor numbers have also been affected by months of military conflict in the Gulf.
Fighting began on 28 February, when the United States and Israel carried out coordinated strikes on targets in Iran. Iran responded by launching missiles and drones towards Gulf countries hosting US military facilities, with Dubai among the locations affected.
Authorities reported minor fires caused by drone debris at the Burj Al Arab and near Palm Jumeirah, while a section of Dubai International Airport also sustained limited damage. Officials said the incidents were brought under control without major consequences, although images from the city received global attention.
A ceasefire agreed in early April between the United States and Iran, later joined by Israel, brought a temporary reduction in hostilities. However, fighting resumed on 7 July, even though the United Arab Emirates has not been directly affected during the latest phase.
Tourism industry representatives told AFP that international arrivals have yet to return to pre-conflict levels, with domestic travellers continuing to account for most hotel guests.
Dubai, which normally welcomes around 19.5 million visitors each year, is now looking to encourage overseas travel through its multicultural population, representing nearly 200 nationalities, by encouraging residents to invite people from abroad.
The government has also introduced financial support for tourism businesses affected by the conflict, including a $400 million (€350 million) assistance package announced in May, following an earlier $270 million (€236 million) package introduced at the end of March.
