According to the Dubai Invite program launched by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can nominate friends and relatives to travel there. If the guest makes the trip, the referrer will receive incentive packages worth more than 3,000 UAE dirhams (approximately US$817).
According to the Visit Dubai website, the offers include hotel stays, dining vouchers, and tickets to various tourist attractions. Each resident is entitled to a maximum of three offers for visitors arriving before October 31st, while the benefits can be used until the end of December.
To be eligible, participants must not be UAE residents, enter with a valid tourist visa, and be nominated by only one person.
The program was launched against the backdrop of a significant decline in the UAE's tourism industry, with a sharp drop in international visitor numbers following the Gulf states' involvement in the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran .
In 2025, Dubai welcomed nearly 20 million international visitors, a record high. However, since the conflict erupted, the number of airlines operating at Dubai's airports has halved as many flights have been diverted to avoid missiles, while tourists have also limited their choices of routes over the Middle East.
According to reports, many hotels are experiencing prolonged periods of empty rooms, and the revenue of numerous businesses has decreased by more than 50%.
Several famous hotels in Dubai have had to close completely. Many accommodations are also accelerating renovation and upgrade plans, including the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel, which is expected to close for 18 months for extensive refurbishment.
In addition, many hotels and tourism businesses have responded to the government's program by launching discount programs of up to 45% and offering free nights to tourists.
Local media reported that the Dubai Invite program attracted over 10,000 applications in just the first 48 hours.