Dubai has launched a rewards program to attract tourists – The Guardian
Dubai authorities have launched a financial incentive program for residents to help attract tourists to the city. In this way, the emirate is attempting to restore tourist traffic following its sharp decline amid the escalating situation in the Middle East.
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism has launched the “A Dubai Invite” program, under which UAE residents can receive a benefits package worth over 3,000 dirhams—more than $800, or about €700—if their friends or relatives visit the emirate as tourists. The package includes free hotel stays, restaurant discounts, tickets to tourist attractions, and other special offers.
Invited guests must be non-residents of the UAE, enter the country on a tourist visa, and arrive in Dubai by October 31. Each resident of the emirate can receive up to three reward packages, which can be redeemed until the end of the year.
According to The Guardian, despite a record-breaking nearly 20 million tourists in 2025, the industry is facing a serious crisis this year due to the escalation of the war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, which has engulfed the Persian Gulf region. Following Iranian missile and drone attacks in February, which targeted Dubai International Airport and well-known hotels, the city has lost its reputation as a safe destination.
As a result, the number of international flights has dropped significantly, and hotels have suffered substantial losses—some establishments have temporarily closed or are undergoing major renovations during this period. In parallel with the government program, the tourism industry itself has begun to stimulate demand: some hotels are offering discounts of up to 45%, free nights’ stay, and other promotions for guests.
The initiative has already generated significant interest—according to local media, more than 10,000 applications were submitted in the first 48 hours after the program’s launch, reports The Guardian.
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