Dubai residents are being urged to register for a programme offering hotel, restaurant, attraction and lifestyle benefits for inviting friends and family to visit the emirate, with registrations now approaching final capacity.

Approximately 20,000 successful applicants have already received benefits through A Dubai Invite, prompting the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and its programme partners to increase capacity three times since the initiative launched on July 20.

Residents with guests arriving in Dubai between July 20 and October 31, 2026 can still register while the remaining benefit packages are available.

DET has issued a last call for registrations following strong demand for A Dubai Invite.

The programme was launched to recognise the role Dubai residents play in encouraging friends and family to visit the city, providing participating residents with access to benefits after their guests arrive.

Around 20,000 successful applicants have already received benefits, while more are due to be confirmed as visitors of successful applicants arrive. DET and programme partners have increased the number of available benefit packages three times since launch in response to demand.

However, registrations are now approaching the programme’s final capacity.

Noor Al Geziry, AVP, Special Projects & MENA at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: “The response to ‘A Dubai Invite’ has been incredibly positive, and it reaffirms that our residents are our greatest advocates. This programme was always intended as a way of saying thank you to the people who call Dubai home, and who proudly share this city with their friends and family. We are grateful to all our partners across the public and private sectors whose collaboration has made this programme possible.

“As a result of resident demand, we have worked with our partners to increase the programme’s capacity three times since its launch. Together, we have shown what is possible through genuine partnership, and when we collectively embrace the ‘Dubai-it’ mindset.”

Residents with visitors arriving between July 20 and October 31, 2026 can register their guests through the programme’s official platform.

Visitor arrivals are then confirmed through a unified verification process supported by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

Once an arrival has been verified, participating residents receive access to benefits at hotels, restaurants, attractions and lifestyle destinations. Registrations will remain open while the remaining benefit packages are available.

DET has encouraged eligible residents to apply as soon as possible, with final registrations being accepted over the coming days.

A Dubai Invite provides access to deals at a range of participating attractions and leisure destinations.

Named partners include:

• Aquaventure Waterpark
• IMG Worlds of Adventure
• Grand Hyatt Waterpark

The benefits available through the scheme are valid at participating venues until December 31, 2026.

Participating F&B venues named by DET include:

• Asia Asia
• Ula
• Papas
• The 305
• Lock, Stock & Barrel

The initiative also includes other participating restaurants and lifestyle destinations.

Residents who qualify can also access discounts and resort credits at participating hotels.

Hotels named by DET include:

• W Dubai Mina Seyahi
• The Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina
• Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark
• Melia Desert Palm
• ME Dubai by Melia

Properties across the IHG Hotels & Resorts portfolio are also participating. Specific benefits vary across participating venues, with the programme providing a range of deals, discounts, resort credits and promotional offers.

The initiative is aimed at residents inviting friends and family to visit the emirate.

The emirate’s resident population represents close to 200 nationalities, and the programme is designed to recognise the role the community plays as ambassadors and advocates for the city.

The scheme also builds on DET’s focus on the Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) tourism segment and campaigns including “Dubai. If You Go, You Know”.

The programme follows almost a year of collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders.

With final capacity approaching, DET has encouraged eligible residents with guests arriving by October 31 to register without delay.

There is no fixed registration closing date stated in the announcement. Registrations will remain open while the remaining benefit packages are available.