Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has launched a three-month ambassador programme designed to jump-start visitor arrivals after months of regional instability. Residents who register friends or relatives arriving between 20 July and 31 October can earn benefit packages worth more than AED 3,000, including hotel nights, dining vouchers, attraction tickets and ride-hailing credits. To participate, Emiratis and expatriates aged 18 + simply submit visitor details through an online form before the guests land. Each resident may claim up to three reward bundles, and each visitor may be nominated only once. Rewards are issued within 72 hours of verified arrival and remain valid until 31 December 2026. DET says the scheme leverages word-of-mouth marketing at a time when some traditional source markets face airline suspensions. The authority hopes to convert residents—many of whom have large professional networks abroad—into “city ambassadors” who can reassure travellers that Dubai remains open and safe. For businesses, the incentives could boost bleisure traffic and help companies persuade overseas clients to conduct meetings in Dubai rather than neutral third-countries. Hotels participating include W Dubai Mina Seyahi and several IHG and Melia properties, while Careem and Hala ride-hailing discounts sweeten the package. Mobility managers should note that the programme does not handle visas: guests must qualify for visa-on-arrival or secure entry permits themselves. Companies inviting candidates for interviews or short-term projects may nevertheless benefit from the bundled hospitality savings.
Source: Gulf News
