Dubai offers residents £600 to invite tourists to region

Dubai has offered residents rewards worth more than £600 to invite visitors to the emirate following a drop in tourism amid the Iran-US war.

The “Dubai Invite” programme, an initiative of the Department of Economy and Tourism, invites locals to bring their friends and family to Dubai in exchange for benefits such as hotel stays, dining experiences and attraction tickets.

Between 20 July and 31 October, those living in the United Arab Emirates city will be eligible for packages worth up to AED3,000 (£610) each.

Up to five visitors can be nominated at a time by registering their details and arrival date on the Visit Dubai nomination form.

To be eligible for nomination, visitors must be non-UAE residents arriving on a valid tourist visa by air, sea or road.

Any citizen or resident of any nationality, aged 18 or over, with a valid Emirates ID who wishes to host friends or relatives from abroad can apply.

Once authorities verify a nominated guest’s arrival, an email on how to redeem the Dubai Invite benefits package will be sent.

Dubai welcomed almost 20 million international tourists in 2025; however, the Iran war disrupted commercial flights and travel advisories against visiting were issued in the first half of this year.

A post on the Visit Dubai website reads: “You're their best reason to visit.

“Bring your loved ones to the city you call home before 31 October and unlock exclusive benefits from Dubai's best hotels, restaurants and attractions.”

Perks from a 45 per cent discount for stays at the Melia Desert Palm hotel to a free ticket to Aquaventure World and a two-for-one deal at The 305, a beach club on Palm Jumeirah, will be valid for use until 31 December 2026.

Other offers include discounts on taxis and money off the bill at some of the city’s most popular restaurants.

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