Dubai has launched a direct financial incentive to reverse a sharp fall in visitor numbers, offering UAE residents and citizens an AED 3,000 credit (approximately USD 816) to nominate visiting friends and family. The scheme runs from 20 July to 31 October 2026 and sits alongside a broader package of emergency tourism measures introduced by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism.
The Incentive in Detail
Under the scheme, UAE residents nominate an incoming visitor. That visitor then receives a credit redeemable against hotel stays, dining, and selected experiences across participating businesses. The nomination process runs through the Dubai Tourism app. There is no cap announced on the number of nominations per resident, though each visitor is entitled to a single credit.
Separately, Dubai has suspended the 7% municipal fee and nightly hotel taxes that normally apply to accommodation bookings. Those waivers are automatic — travellers booking directly or through agencies do not need to apply. The waivers are expected to remain in place through the end of Q3 2026.
Why This Is Happening
Hotel occupancy in Dubai dropped from a pre-summer average above 80% to a projected 10% in the weeks following Iranian strikes on targets in the wider region. Airlines responded by reducing frequencies, and some international visitors cancelled or deferred bookings.
Dubai’s government has emphasised that the emirate itself was not targeted and that all infrastructure — airports, hotels, attractions, and the road network — is operating normally. The Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Frame are all open. Emirates and flydubai are operating their full schedules.
What This Means for Visitors
The combination of the AED 3,000 credit and suspended taxes means that a trip to Dubai in August–October 2026 is materially cheaper than the same trip would have been a year ago. Hotels that were pricing at premium rates during the shoulder season are now competing on value.
For those with a UAE contact who can make the nomination, the credit effectively offsets a significant portion of accommodation costs. For those without a local contact, the suspended municipal fee and hotel tax waivers apply automatically and are still a meaningful saving on a week’s stay.
Our city guides cover the main neighbourhoods and what to see, and our things to do pages list the experiences where the credit can be redeemed. For those planning the trip in full, the itineraries section has ready-made frameworks for three-day and week-long visits.
Practical Notes
The scheme applies to visitors arriving at Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC). Visa requirements are unchanged — most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival or e-visa through the standard ICA portal. Travel insurance providers are generally treating Dubai as a standard destination; confirm with your provider before travel.
The practical section of this site covers visa requirements and health information in full.