Dubai Offers £600 Rewards to Attract Visitors Amid Tourism Slump 2026

Dubai offers £600 rewards to residents who attract friends and family to visit the emirate as tourist numbers plummet due to regional conflict. The Dubai Invite scheme, launched by the Department of Economy and Tourism, aims to revive a sector that saw record arrivals in 2025 but now faces massive hotel vacancies and airline disruptions.

What Is the Dubai Invite Scheme?

Under this initiative, UAE residents can nominate non-resident friends and relatives to visit Dubai. If the nominated visitors arrive on a valid tourist visa before October 31, the resident receives a benefits package worth over 3,000 UAE dirham (about £610). The package includes hotel stays, dining deals, and attraction tickets. Each resident can claim up to three benefit packages, with redemption available until December.

Eligibility and Conditions

Visitors must be non-UAE residents, arrive on a tourist visa, and can only be nominated once. The scheme is part of a broader effort to counter the sharp decline in international passenger numbers after the Gulf states became drawn into the US-Israel war on Iran. In February, Iran retaliated with missiles and drones that struck the Fairmont hotel and Dubai International Airport, shattering the city’s image as a safe haven.

Impact on Dubai’s Tourism Economy

Dubai welcomed nearly 20 million tourists in 2025, a record high. However, since the conflict, the number of airlines operating at Dubai airports has halved. Many planes turned around due to missile threats, and tourists avoid routes over the Middle East. Reports indicate massive hotel vacancies and businesses suffering revenue declines of more than 50%. Some of Dubai’s most famous hotels, including the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, have closed for major renovations—the Burj Al Arab will shut for 18 months.

How Businesses Are Adapting

Many hotels and businesses are leaning into the government’s scheme, offering additional discounts to nominated visitors. The Dubai Invite program is seen as a creative way to stimulate demand without massive marketing spend. However, the long-term recovery depends on regional stability and restored flight routes.

Key Takeaways for Travelers and Residents

• Residents can earn up to £610 in benefits per nominated visitor (max 3 nominations).
• Nominated visitors can enjoy free or discounted hotel stays, dining, and attractions.
• The scheme runs until October 31, with benefits redeemable through December.
• Tourists should check current travel advisories and flight availability before booking.

FAQ

For residents and potential visitors, the Dubai Invite scheme offers a timely opportunity to experience the city at reduced cost while helping revive its tourism economy. As Dubai navigates this challenging period, incentives like these may provide a much-needed boost.