Dubai has launched a new initiative to boost its tourism sector, offering residents financial incentives to encourage friends and family to visit the city. The program, dubbed the "Dubai Invite" scheme, provides a benefits package valued at approximately £610 (3,000 UAE dirham) to residents who successfully refer non-resident visitors. This comes as the region experiences a significant drop in tourist numbers, attributed to the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Iran.
The benefits package includes perks such as hotel stays, dining discounts, and attraction tickets. To qualify, visitors must not be UAE residents, possess a valid visa, and can only be nominated once. Each resident is eligible to receive up to three such packages for visitors arriving before October 31, with redemption available until December.
Local reports indicate the initiative has garnered substantial interest, with over 100,000 applications received in its initial 48 hours. The US and Israel initiated strikes on Iran on February 28, leading to a considerable decline in regional tourism.
Dubai, once a popular destination known for its luxury attractions and safety, has seen its carefully cultivated image impacted by the conflict. The emirate has reportedly been a target for retaliatory missile and drone attacks from Iran, deterring international visitors. This has led to a sharp decrease in inbound travel, with an estimated daily loss of up to £450 million in business.
Prior to the conflict, Dubai had aimed to welcome a record 20 million visitors in the current year, surpassing the previous year's figure of 19.59 million. Current estimates suggest that inbound arrivals to the Middle East could see a year-on-year decline of 11 to 27 percent in 2026, even if the conflict is resolved swiftly.
The exodus from the city has been notable, with thousands reportedly leaving. Previously bustling tourist spots and entertainment venues, often frequented by international expatriates, have become noticeably less crowded as the number of foreign visitors has fallen.