Dubai is planning to give residents over $800 in discounts and deals when they invite friends and family to visit, according to the emirate’s media office on Wednesday, as the tourism industry continues to recover from months of decline caused by ongoing conflict.
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism has launched the “A Dubai Invite” initiative, encouraging locals to act as ambassadors for the city by welcoming loved ones. The program will run through the end of October.
Typically, summer is a slow season for tourism in the UAE, a predominantly desert nation where temperatures can soar to 122°F (50°C). The Dubai government’s official website states that residents inviting visitors from July 20 to October 31 can access benefits valued at over AED 3,000 (approximately $816). These perks include hotel accommodations, dining experiences, attraction tickets, and more. Residents can nominate the people they want to invite on the website to receive these benefits.
Dubai, which attracts around 19.5 million visitors annually, has long been known as a playground for the wealthy and famous in the Middle East. Recently, the region’s tourist influx has been affected by Iran’s missile and drone attacks, which targeted hotels—including those on the Palm Jumeirah—and the iconic Burj Al Arab resort, prompting tourists to leave during the peak winter season.
Since a fragile ceasefire took hold on April 8, some tourists have started returning, though many hotels are primarily relying on local guests, industry sources told AFP.
In May, Dubai approved a COVID-19 economic support package exceeding $400 million aimed at helping businesses impacted by the conflict and Iran’s blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. The package included waivers of municipal fees for hotels and restaurants, reduced fines for customs violations, and lower fees for civil aviation permits.
Earlier in March, Dubai announced an initial relief package valued at over $270 million to support local businesses and families navigating the ongoing challenges.