Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has closed registrations for its ‘A Dubai Invite’ initiative after receiving more than 90,000 applications, highlighting the strong role residents play in attracting visiting friends and relatives (VFR) to the emirate.
More than 30,000 benefit packages have already been distributed, while eligible visitors registered before the allocation was reached can still arrive until October 31, 2026.
Benefits are issued within 72 hours of qualifying visitors’ arrival and remain valid at participating venues until December 31.
Launched on July 20 , the programme was designed to encourage Dubai residents to invite friends and family from overseas by offering exclusive benefits across hotels, attractions, dining and lifestyle experiences. Strong demand prompted DET and its partners to increase the number of available packages by more than three times.
Noor Al Geziry, AVP, Special Projects & MENA at DET,
said: “The remarkable success of ‘A Dubai Invite’ demonstrates just how
strongly our residents want to share Dubai with their friends and family.
Residents are among our greatest advocates, and their personal experiences and
recommendations provide an authentic perspective on what makes Dubai such a
special place to visit. This shows the confidence our community places in the
city, and reinforces our ambition, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33,
to position Dubai as the best city to visit, live and work in.
“We would like to thank everyone who took part, as well as
our partners across the public and private sectors whose support enabled us to
increase the programme’s capacity by more than three times. This partnership
has enabled the city to collectively deliver on a shared purpose, demonstrating
how government and industry can work together to create meaningful experiences
for residents while strengthening Dubai’s position as a city that welcomes
families and loved ones. 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.”
The initiative brought together hotels, attractions, restaurants and lifestyle providers, reinforcing Dubai’s focus on residents as ambassadors and the growing importance of the VFR segment to its tourism economy.
Dorsai Khaghani, Vice President, Global Commercial of Kerzner International, said: “Kerzner International is proud to have supported ‘A Dubai Invite’ through its Atlantis properties and to have played a part in bringing families and loved ones together in Dubai. The incredible response from residents is a testament to the strength of the connections that make Dubai such a special destination. We are delighted to have been part of a programme that encouraged residents to share the best of Dubai with those closest to them, while celebrating the city as a place where people can create meaningful memories together.”
Tarek Labib, Head of Commercial, IMEA, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “‘A Dubai Invite’ is a great example of what can be achieved when organisations come together around a shared purpose. With hotels from across IHG Hotels & Resorts’ extensive portfolio in Dubai participating in the programme, we are delighted to play a part in welcoming residents and their loved ones to experience our hotels and the city. Our residents are among our most valued guests, and the incredible response to the programme has been a wonderful reflection of the community’s enthusiasm for bringing family and friends together. We are proud to have partnered with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism on an initiative that has created meaningful experiences for residents and visitors alike.”
Ugur Lee Kanbur, Multi-Property General Manager, Destination
Mina Seyahi, said: “The response to ‘A Dubai Invite’ Campaign demonstrates the
powerful role residents play in inspiring travel to Dubai. At Destination Mina
Seyahi, we are proud to help turn their invitations into memorable stays,
bringing families and loved ones together through the city’s renowned
beachfront hospitality.” -TradeArabia News Service
Send us your company’s news today and they could be featured on ABC’s Community News tommorow.
