Dubai is offering residents more than AED3,000 (about $816) in rewards if they invite friends and family to visit the emirate, as authorities step up efforts to revive tourism following months of conflict in the region.
The initiative, called “A Dubai Invite”, was launched by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and will run until October 31.
According to the Dubai Media Office, residents can register loved ones through the programme’s website to unlock benefits including hotel stays, dining experiences, attraction tickets and other exclusive offers worth more than AED3,000.
The campaign targets visits between July 20 and October 31, a period that traditionally marks Dubai’s quieter summer tourism season, when temperatures can climb to 50°C.
Dubai remains one of the Middle East’s leading tourist destinations, attracting around 19.5 million visitors annually. However, the tourism sector has struggled after the regional conflict that began in February disrupted travel across the Gulf.
Although the United Arab Emirates was not directly involved in the wider US-Iran escalation, the conflict affected the country’s tourism industry. Iran launched missile and drone attacks that struck several locations, including hotels on Palm Jumeirah and the iconic Burj Al Arab, prompting many visitors to cut short or cancel their trips.
Since a ceasefire took effect on April 8, tourist arrivals have gradually improved, but industry sources told AFP that many hotels continue to rely heavily on domestic guests.
To support the recovery, Dubai approved an economic relief package worth more than $400 million in May. The measures included exemptions from municipal fees for hotels and restaurants, lower customs penalties and reduced civil aviation permit fees.
The government had earlier announced another support package valued at more than $270 million in late March to assist businesses and families affected by the regional crisis.
