https://www.arabianbusiness.com/: Dubai’s newly launched Dubai Invite tourism incentive programme has attracted more than 10,000 applications within its first 48 hours.

The “overwhelming response” has prompted authorities to review the cap on the number of reward packages available.

Speaking to Dubai Eye’s Business Breakfast, Noor Algeziry, Associate Vice President, MENA & Special Projects at Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said demand for the initiative had exceeded expectations since its launch.

“We’ve seen an overwhelming response,” Algeziry said, adding that while DET had initially placed a limit on the total number of benefits it would issue, the department is now reviewing that cap in light of the strong uptake.

The update comes a day after Dubai unveiled the Dubai Invite campaign, which offers UAE citizens and residents reward packages worth more than $817 (AED3,000) when family members or friends living overseas visit the emirate.

The initiative forms part of Dubai’s wider tourism strategy to stimulate visitor arrivals during the summer and autumn travel period. Eligible guests must enter Dubai between July 20 and October 31, with residents able to earn up to three reward packages during the campaign.

Multiple partners

The benefits span accommodation, dining, attractions and transport, with participating brands including W Dubai Mina Seyahi, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark, Meliá Desert Palm, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Careem and Hala.

Residents aged 18 and above with a valid Emirates ID can nominate visitors through an official online portal before they arrive. Guests must reside outside the UAE and travel either on a tourist visa or under the country’s visa-on-arrival programme.

Once a nominated visitor’s arrival is automatically verified through Dubai’s border systems, DET will issue the resident’s reward package by email within 72 hours. Benefits will remain valid until December 31 unless individual partner offers expire earlier.

Each visitor can only be nominated once, while each resident can receive a maximum of three reward packages, although they may continue inviting additional guests after reaching that limit.

The campaign builds on Dubai’s strong tourism momentum. The emirate welcomed 19.59 million international overnight visitors in 2025, up 5 per cent from 18.72 million in 2024, with both December 2025 and January 2026 surpassing the two-million-visitor mark.

Running alongside Dubai Summer Surprises 2026, which features discounts of up to 90 per cent, AED10 meal deals, concerts and family entertainment until August 30, the programme is designed to leverage Dubai’s resident population as a new channel for attracting international visitors while driving spending across hotels, restaurants, attractions and transport providers.