Dubai is offering residents benefits worth more than 3,000 UAE dirham (about £610) for each friend or relative they persuade to visit the emirate, as the city struggles to revive tourism after being drawn into the US-Israel war on Iran.
Dubai Invite scheme details
The Dubai Invite scheme, run by the department of economy and tourism, allows UAE residents to nominate friends and relatives. If the nominated visitors arrive, the resident receives a benefits package including hotel stays, dining deals and attraction tickets, according to the Visit Dubai website.
Each resident is eligible for a maximum of three benefit packages for visitors arriving before 31 October, with benefits redeemable until December. Visitors must be non-UAE residents, arrive on a valid tourist visa, and can only be nominated once.
Tourism downturn amid conflict
The scheme comes as the UAE's tourism sector experiences a significant downturn. International passenger numbers have fallen sharply after Gulf states became involved in the US-Israel war on Iran. In February, Iran retaliated with missiles and drones that hit the Fairmont hotel and Dubai International Airport, shattering the city's image as a safe haven.
In 2025, Dubai welcomed nearly 20 million tourists, a record. However, since the conflict, the number of airlines operating at Dubai airports has halved, with many planes turned around due to missile risks and tourists avoiding routes over the Middle East. There are reports of massive hotel vacancies and businesses suffering revenue declines of more than 50%.
Hotels close, discounts offered
Some of Dubai's most famous hotels have shut entirely, many bringing forward renovations. The sail-shaped Burj Al Arab will close for 18 months for a major restoration. Other hotels and businesses are offering discounts of 45% and free nights through the government scheme.
Local media reported that within the first 48 hours, the scheme attracted more than 10,000 applications.
