Dubai Offers €700 to Residents to Attract Loved Ones: How to Benefit and Boost Your Trips

Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism has launched one of the most ambitious tourism marketing campaigns in recent years. Facing a decline in visitor numbers amid regional tensions, the emirate is betting on its own residents to revive its appeal as a destination. The A Dubai Invite program offers up to €700 in rewards to UAE residents and citizens who successfully invite their loved ones to visit Dubai between July 20 and October 31, 2026. This initiative could turn your next trips into doubly advantageous experiences.

Contrary to what the amount might suggest, the rewards are not cash payments. Instead, they come in the form of hotel discounts, dining offers, attraction tickets, and leisure or transport services. Each participant can declare up to five visitors at once, with a maximum of three rewards per person throughout the campaign. Among the already announced offers are 45% off stays at Meliá Desert Palm, free entry to Aquaventure and IMG Worlds of Adventure, and "eat two, pay for one" deals at renowned restaurants like ULA, Asia Asia, and The 305. It’s enough to make anyone eager to become an ambassador for the emirate from France.

This campaign comes at a particularly challenging time for Dubai, whose image as a safe and stable destination has been shaken by recent geopolitical events in the Middle East. In late February 2026, Iranian strikes and intercepted missile debris damaged several iconic sites, including the international airport and the famous Burj Al Arab. The situation led to major air traffic disruptions and prompted many travelers to postpone or cancel their trips. The resumption of military tensions between the U.S. and Iran in July 2026 only deepened this distrust, especially as summer is traditionally a slow season for the emirate due to scorching temperatures.

To participate, UAE residents or citizens must register their foreign relatives’ details before their arrival. Once the visitor is recorded in Dubai, the resident receives an email with their rewards, which can be used until December 31, 2026. It’s important to note that the program does not cover flights, accommodation, or visa formalities for visitors—these remain the visitors’ responsibility. A key consideration before embarking on this adventure.

For French expatriates or Dubai residents, this initiative is a golden opportunity to organize family or friend reunions while saving significantly on-site. Imagine planning a group trip with loved ones, enjoying hotel discounts while discovering the emirate’s latest attractions. Stays at Meliá Desert Palm, for example, offer an ideal setting to combine relaxation and exploration, with easy access to landmarks like the Dubai Desert or theme parks. And with free entry to Aquaventure or IMG Worlds of Adventure, both children and adults will be thrilled.

The restrictions on rewards—five visitors per participant and a maximum of three rewards—encourage careful selection of guests. Prioritize loved ones who haven’t yet had the chance to visit Dubai or those planning a trip in the coming months. By registering multiple people in your circle, you maximize your chances of accumulating rewards and making the most of this offer. However, be sure to respect the deadlines: visitors must arrive between July 20 and October 31, 2026, and rewards must be used by December 31, 2026.

For travelers from France, this initiative could change the game when it comes to choosing a destination. Dubai, often seen as a luxury stopover or a shopping destination, is repositioning itself as an accessible and budget-friendly option thanks to these benefits. While flights remain the visitors’ responsibility, airlines like Emirates offer competitive fares from Paris, significantly reducing the overall cost of a trip. By combining savings on-site with flight promotions, it’s now possible to plan a Dubai getaway without breaking the bank.

Dubai’s authorities have a vested interest in seeing this program succeed. By encouraging residents to become ambassadors, they’re banking on positive word-of-mouth to boost the emirate’s long-term appeal. For participants, the stakes are twofold: enjoy immediate rewards while helping restore the destination’s image after recent events. A win-win scenario, provided you plan your trip carefully and follow the program’s guidelines.

How to Declare Your Loved Ones and Maximize Your Gains

To participate in the A Dubai Invite program, the first step is to register online on the program’s official website. UAE residents or citizens must provide the contact details of their foreign relatives, ensuring the information is accurate and verifiable. Once registered, all that’s left is to wait for the guests’ arrival in Dubai, which must occur between July 20 and October 31, 2026.

As soon as the visitor is recorded at the airport or upon arrival by sea or land, the resident receives an email confirming eligibility for rewards. The rewards, in the form of vouchers or promo codes, can be used until December 31, 2026. It’s advisable to check your inbox regularly, as codes may expire if not used within the specified timeframe.

To optimize your gains, target guests planning to stay at partner hotels or visit partner attractions. For example, if you know someone interested in a stay at Meliá Desert Palm, encourage them to book as soon as possible to take advantage of the 45% discount. Similarly, for theme park enthusiasts, highlight the free entry to Aquaventure or IMG Worlds of Adventure, which represent substantial savings on often expensive activities.

Remember that each participant can declare up to five visitors, but only three rewards can be obtained per person. A smart strategy is to distribute your guests across different reward categories, such as two hotel discounts and one restaurant voucher. This approach allows you to diversify experiences and fully enjoy the offer without risking unused rewards.

Finally, keep in mind that the program does not cover visitors’ administrative formalities. Ensure your loved ones have valid visas to enter Dubai and that their travel documents are in order. A pre-check will avoid any inconvenience upon arrival and guarantee a hassle-free stay.

Best Combinations for a Successful Dubai Trip

With the rewards offered by A Dubai Invite, it’s possible to craft a tailor-made trip combining comfort, entertainment, and discovery. Here are some ideas to make the most of the rewards and enjoy a memorable experience in Dubai.

For a family getaway, consider a stay at Meliá Desert Palm, which offers spacious rooms and a relaxed desert ambiance. With a 45% discount, the cost of a night’s stay becomes far more affordable, freeing up more budget for activities. Kids will love Aquaventure and IMG Worlds of Adventure, where free entry thanks to the program will make the visit unforgettable. Imagine a full day of sliding down Aquaventure’s water slides, followed by an evening at one of the partner restaurants, where the "eat two, pay for one" deal lets you sample local specialties without overspending.

For travelers seeking luxury and exclusivity, suites at Meliá Desert Palm or other high-end partner hotels provide an ideal setting. With savings on activities and dining, it’s possible to indulge in a premium stay without blowing your budget. The restaurants mentioned in the program, like ULA or Asia Asia, are renowned for their refined cuisine and chic atmosphere—perfect for a special evening.

Shopping and nightlife enthusiasts won’t be disappointed either. Dubai is a top destination for luxury and international brands, and the savings on accommodations or activities can be reinvested in iconic malls like Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates. With discounts on stays, every dirham saved counts and allows you to extend your experience or buy an extra souvenir.

For those looking to explore Dubai from a different angle, the program also offers discounts on local transport and services. Reduced fares on taxis or ride-hailing apps make it easy to get around the emirate without worrying about costs. A boon for discovering hidden gems like the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood or traditional souks, far from the hustle and bustle of the malls.

A Bold but Promising Gamble for Dubai

As Dubai works to overcome the fallout from regional tensions and restore its image, the A Dubai Invite program represents a bold wager. By relying on its residents to attract new visitors, the emirate is banking on the power of word-of-mouth and the loyalty of expatriate communities. A strategy that could pay off if residents seize the opportunity and promote it to their loved ones.

For travelers, this initiative is an unmissable opportunity. By combining the program’s rewards with flight promotions, it’s possible to plan a Dubai trip at a lower cost while enjoying a rich experience. Whether it’s a family getaway, a trip with friends, or a well-deserved retreat, the rewards offered by A Dubai Invite make Dubai more accessible than ever.

For French residents or expatriates in Dubai, this is the perfect chance to become ambassadors and share a destination they love while benefiting personally. With a bit of planning and by following the program’s guidelines, it’s possible to fully enjoy this offer and experience a unique trip to Dubai. So, are you ready to become an ambassador for the emirate and share it with your loved ones?