A new invitation-only tourism program offers frequent visitors to Dubai the opportunity to obtain a multiple-entry tourist visa valid for five years. Additionally, participants will receive exclusive bonuses, including hotel room upgrades, lounge access, and shopping privileges.
The Dubai Access Club was introduced by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) in collaboration with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The program aims to stimulate repeat visits to the emirate, making travel there and within it more convenient and rewarding.
The program was launched at the initiative of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council. Eligible travelers can obtain membership for five years through nominations from participating partners.
Unlike standard tourism loyalty programs, membership will not be open to the general public; instead, invitations will be directed to suitable travelers through selected loyalty programs and multinational companies associated with the launching partners, such as Emirates, Accor, and Visa.
Frequent travelers who receive an invitation can activate their membership after visa applications are approved and necessary eligibility criteria are met. Confirmed members immediately gain access to partner benefits, including the ALSAADA Tourist Card from GDRFA Dubai, which provides discounts and promotions across the city.
Members will also be issued a Majid Al Futtaim gift card with credit, usable at the company's retail stores and leisure venues. Partners are expected to add further perks, such as hotel room upgrades, airport lounge access, and early booking opportunities for events.
This initiative is also intended to benefit international companies whose employees regularly visit Dubai for business meetings, conferences, and corporate events. Through the program, relevant employees of participating multinational corporations can benefit from simplified conditions for repeat travel while enjoying tourist and leisure experiences during their stay.
Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, part of DET, noted that repeat visits have played a significant role in the growth of the emirate's tourism. He stated that 'repeat visitation has long been the cornerstone of Dubai's growth story, supported by a constant focus on accessibility, service, and safety.'
He added that this program will help strengthen visitors' connections with Dubai, creating new opportunities for engagement with the destination.
Major General Khalaf Ahmad Al Ghait, Deputy CEO of the Entry and Residency Permits Sector at GDRFA Dubai, emphasized that the initiative focuses on simplifying travel procedures and developing services that meet the needs of frequent tourists. He noted: 'Our role is to simplify procedures and develop flexible, proactive services that meet the needs of frequent visitors while maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency.'
Emirates, Accor, and Visa are among the partners supporting this program, and invitations are expected to reach eligible travelers through their own loyalty programs and corporate networks.
Adnan Kazim, Vice President and Commercial Director of Emirates Airline, announced that the initiative will allow some of the most loyal members of the Skywards program to receive additional privileges during their stay in Dubai. He stressed: 'Repeat visits are fundamental to the long-term growth of the destination, and participation in the 'Dubai Access Club' means that some of our most loyal Skywards members will be rewarded with enhanced privileges throughout their stay in hotels, restaurants, attractions, experiences, and much more.'
Accor is also participating in this initiative, and Duncan O'Rourke, its Chief Executive Officer for the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific, highlighted the importance of recognizing returning visitors and providing a more personalized travel experience.
In turn, Visa is expected to expand benefits for eligible holders of Visa Infinite cards visiting Dubai. Fadi Mukaddem, Senior Vice President and Group Manager for UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar at Visa, stated that this collaboration will help cardholders gain greater value and convenience during their visits.
This program is part of Dubai's broader efforts to strengthen tourism competitiveness and visitor loyalty under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. It follows the launch earlier this year of the 'A Dubai Invite' initiative by DET, which rewards residents who invite family and friends from abroad to visit the emirate by providing them with exclusive bonuses and experiences.
