Dubai will launch the Dubai Access Club, an invitation-only scheme for repeat visitors, and open tourist visa applications on Visit Dubai, the government said on November 1.
Both measures take effect during November. The visa move puts applications on the emirate’s official destination marketing website, while the club gives Dubai a city-run loyalty programme for returning travellers. The government described the club as the world’s first city-led, invitation-only tourism membership programme.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, announced the initiatives. “Tourism is a key pillar of Dubai’s economy,” he said. “We are committed to positioning Dubai among the world’s top three tourism destinations.”
Invited members will receive exclusive experiences and benefits designed to encourage repeat visits. The government did not set out membership criteria or say how invitations will be issued.
The visa service was developed by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai), the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Digital Dubai under the Shared Digital Channels Initiative. Visitors will be able to apply for single-entry and multiple-entry tourist visas, with more categories to follow. GDRFA Dubai will continue to assess applications and issue visas.
DET Director General Helal Saeed Almarri said the initiatives were “about removing barriers” and creating greater value for visitors.
Digital Dubai Director General Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori said the aim was “to make services more personalised and proactive” by harnessing data and AI.
The government said further service details would be announced later.
Dubai’s home carrier already runs incentives aimed at visitors to the city. Emirates Skywards revived its Mile-A-Minute offer for Dubai visitors in October.
