Dubai launches 'A Dubai Invite': up to Dh3,000 in rewards for residents bringing guests
LVIn short
Under 'A Dubai Invite', the city ambassador programme launched by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), every resident can register up to five overseas guests arriving between July 20 and October 31, 2026, and unlock more than Dh3,000 in benefits: discounts of up to 45% at selected hotels, resort credit equivalent to 100% of the room rate at some properties, discounted entry to attractions such as Aquaventure Waterpark and IMG Worlds of Adventure, plus dining offers. Guest nominations must be submitted online before arrival, with the nomination window closing on September 30.
What 'A Dubai Invite' is
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism has launched 'A Dubai Invite', a programme that turns residents into genuine city ambassadors. The idea behind it is simple: the people who live in Dubai are the destination's best advocates for those who have not discovered it yet, and they deserve to be rewarded for it. The scheme targets the VFR segment (visiting friends and relatives), a category of travel that brings meaningful spend into hotels, dining and attractions.
How registration works
- Residents register their guests through an online nomination form before arrival in Dubai
- Up to five visitors can be nominated at a time, with additional forms for larger groups
- Nominations must be submitted by September 30, 2026
- Registered guests must arrive in Dubai between July 20 and October 31, 2026
- Benefits unlock once the guest's arrival has been verified
The benefits in detail
| Category | Benefit | Partner |
|---|---|---|
| Stay | Discounts of up to 45% or 100% room-rate equivalent credit | W Dubai Mina Seyahi, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi, Melia Desert Palm, ME Dubai by Melia, selected IHG hotels |
| Attractions | Discounted entry | Aquaventure Waterpark, IMG Worlds of Adventure, Grand Hyatt Waterpark |
| Dining | Dedicated offers | Participating outlets |
A useful point for readers abroad: the privilege packages (discounts on hotels, restaurants and attractions) are issued and assigned to the resident who sends the invitation. But they are designed to enrich the guests' stay: the invited visitors still benefit, indirectly, with a richer and more affordable experience during their visit — discounted hotels, restaurants and attractions for the whole group.
Why Dubai is investing in residents as ambassadors
The initiative sits within a broader strategy through which Dubai keeps strengthening its tourism proposition, tapping a channel that is often underrated: the personal network of residents and citizens, which generates repeat visits and authentic word of mouth that institutional advertising alone struggles to replicate. It is a further sign of the city continuing to innovate on hospitality, in line with its recent tourism growth numbers.
Original source
Article based on Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism / Gulf News. Reading, analysis and commentary are original.
Frequently asked
Who can take part in the 'A Dubai Invite' programme?
The programme is open to UAE residents and citizens, who can register their overseas guests online to access the benefits.
How many guests can be registered?
Up to five visitors at a time through the nomination form, with additional forms available to register more.
By when must guests be registered and when must they arrive?
Nominations must be submitted by September 30, 2026, and guests must arrive in Dubai between July 20 and October 31, 2026.
What kind of hotel discounts are included in the programme?
Discounts of up to 45% on room rates, or at some partner resorts a credit equivalent to 100% of the room value, plus offers on attractions and dining.
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