Dubai rolls out new tourism strategy as war keeps visitors away
Tourist Dubai (Photo: Getty Images)
The authorities of Dubai have come up with a way to help restore tourist flow after a sharp decline due to the war in the Middle East. It involves a financial reward for those who lure a tourist, according to The Guardian.
Residents of the emirate are promised bonuses of more than $700 if they invite friends or relatives to come on vacation.
"A Dubai Invite" program
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism has launched the "A Dubai Invite" program, under which residents of the United Arab Emirates can receive a benefits package worth over 3,000 dirhams (over $800 or about €700) if their friends or relatives come to the emirate as tourists.
The package includes free hotel stays, restaurant discounts, tickets to tourist attractions, and other special offers.
Invited guests must be non-residents of the UAE, enter the country on a tourist visa, and arrive in Dubai by October 31. Each resident can receive up to three reward packages and can use them until the end of the year.
War-related crisis
As The Guardian notes, the program is a response to a sharp drop in tourist flow. Despite a record of nearly 20 million tourists in 2025, Dubai's tourism industry is experiencing a serious crisis this year following the escalation of the war between the US, Israel, and Iran, which has engulfed the Persian Gulf region.
According to the article, after Iranian missile and drone attacks in February, during which Dubai's international airport and well-known hotels were damaged, the city lost its reputation as a safe tourist destination.
This has significantly reduced the number of international flights, and hotels have faced huge losses. Some establishments have temporarily closed or postponed major renovations to coincide with this period.
In parallel with the state program, the tourism business has also started stimulating demand. Some hotels are offering discounts of up to 45%, free nights, and other promotions for guests.
The initiative has already generated significant interest. According to local media, over 10,000 applications to participate were submitted in just the first 48 hours after the program's launch.
Dubai had a period of returning to normal life when the ceasefire between the US and Iran was in effect.
During the Middle East conflict, thousands of flights were made through the Emirates, despite the air threat.
