Abu Dhabi is waiving UAE visa fees for Indian passport holders who book qualifying holiday packages through the scheme — covering up to 20,000 visas and running until 31 October 2026.
How the Programme Works
Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) is partnering with a selection of hotels and tour operators to cover the cost of the UAE tourist visa for Indian nationals. To qualify, a booking must include a minimum of three consecutive nights of hotel accommodation in Abu Dhabi, booked through a participating partner.
The visa itself — normally priced at around AED 350 (approximately ₹8,000) for a 30-day single-entry — is covered by DCT Abu Dhabi directly. Indian travellers still apply in the usual way; the visa cost is absorbed by the programme rather than charged to the guest.
Participating hotels and operators include major chains on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche and Yas Island, as well as several package-tour operators with strong India-to-UAE channels. A full list is available through the Visit Abu Dhabi booking portal.
Who Can Apply
The programme is open to Indian passport holders booking new stays. Existing bookings made before the programme launched are not eligible for the fee reimbursement, though travellers should check with their operator. The 20,000-visa cap is the binding limit — once reached, the programme closes regardless of the October 31 end date.
What to Do in Abu Dhabi
Three nights gives a visitor enough time to cover the major draws. Abu Dhabi has concentrated its flagship cultural and architectural landmarks in a compact corridor: the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the non-negotiable centrepiece, typically visited in the morning or at dusk. The Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Hosn, and the Corniche waterfront all sit within easy reach.
Yas Island — home to Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and several family resorts — is a half-hour drive from the city centre and makes a logical second-day option for those travelling with children.
Booking Before the Cap Fills
With 20,000 visas on offer and the programme running until 31 October, demand from the India–UAE corridor is expected to be high. August and September travel tends to be quieter due to summer heat; October sees temperatures fall to a more comfortable range and is typically one of the busier periods. Book early if you plan to travel in October.
For visa application logistics and what to expect at the airport, check the UAE government’s ICP portal for the most current processing times.