Dubai Tourism Scheme Closes After 90,000 Residents Invite Loved Ones in 'Exceptional Response'

A Dubai tourism initiative offering up to Dh3,000 ($816) in discounts to residents who invited friends and family to visit the emirate has officially closed registrations after attracting more than 90,000 applications.

The Dubai Invite campaign provided benefits such as hotel discounts and free days out at local attractions to help boost the tourism sector amid the challenges of the Iran war. Residents who invited friends and family to visit the emirate between July 20 and October 31 qualified for the perks under the strategy, which was overseen by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. The department announced the closure of registrations following an "exceptional response" from the public.

More than 30,000 discount packages have been distributed, with benefits being issued to residents who registered visitors before the final allocation was reached. The department noted that the number of packages was increased more than three times due to overwhelming demand. Benefits are issued within 72 hours of a registered guest arriving in Dubai, and the perks remain valid until December 31. Visitors must arrive directly into Dubai from outside the UAE before October 31 to qualify.

Dubai accommodates residents from approximately 200 nationalities, prompting a large number of relatives and friends from around the globe to visit annually. The department emphasized that residents play a vital role in shaping visitor experiences.

"The strong response has come from across Dubai’s diverse resident community, reflecting the enthusiasm of people from a large number of different nationalities and backgrounds to share the city with their friends and family. It further reinforces the important role Dubai’s residents play as ambassadors for the city," said Noor Al Geziry, associate vice president for special projects and Mena at the department.