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The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism announced on Thursday that it had increased the capacity of its ‘A Dubai Invite’ programme threefold since the initiative launched on July 20 in response to exceptional resident uptake. Approximately 20,000 successful applicants have already received their benefits with additional confirmations expected as visitors arrive in the emirate. According to a statement from the department registrations are now approaching the expanded limit and eligible residents should apply without delay while remaining benefit packages last.
Noor Al Geziry AVP of Special Projects and MENA at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism said “The response to ‘A Dubai Invite’ has been incredibly positive and it reaffirms that our residents are our greatest advocates.” Al Geziry added that the programme was intended as a way of thanking those who call Dubai home and proudly share the city with friends and family. The department credited collaboration with public and private sector partners for enabling the capacity expansion and demonstrating results through joint efforts.
The programme seeks to empower Dubai residents representing close to 200 nationalities to act as ambassadors by inviting family and friends to experience the city. It builds on the authority’s longstanding emphasis on the visiting friends and relatives segment along with earlier campaigns that highlighted residents’ role in promoting the destination. DET noted in its statement that nearly a year of stakeholder collaboration across sectors produced the initiative which delivers tangible value to the community.
Residents can register guests arriving between July 20 and Oct. 31 2026 through the official platform with arrivals verified via a unified process involving the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai. Once confirmed participants gain access to offers from hotels restaurants attractions and lifestyle venues. Benefits remain valid through Dec. 31 2026 at selected locations including waterparks theme parks dining outlets and various hospitality properties.
Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism data shows the emirate welcomed 19.59 million overnight international visitors in 2025 marking a 5 percent rise from the prior year and the highest annual total recorded. The authority’s statement positioned the current programme as aligned with broader goals under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 which targets doubling the economy by 2033 while strengthening the city’s position as a global business and leisure hub. Al Geziry emphasised in the release that partnerships had proven what collective embrace of the Dubai mindset could achieve.
Participating venues listed in the DET announcement range from Aquaventure Waterpark and IMG Worlds of Adventure to multiple hotel brands offering discounts and resort credits. The department continues to work with partners to refine and potentially broaden the array of privileges available. Registrations will remain open over the coming days subject to availability of the final allocation of packages.
