A Dubai Invite is a 2026 campaign from Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Residents nominate family or friends living abroad, and those guests unlock hotel, dining and attraction perks while they visit. The perks are only half of the job, though. Once your guests land, you still need to get everyone around a city where the sights are far apart.
This guide covers what the initiative offers, what its current status means for you, and how to host visitors well. It also shows how a rental car can make a family trip easier.
What Is A Dubai Invite?
A Dubai Invite rewards residents for bringing people to the city. A resident nominates a guest through an online form and DET verifies the guest’s arrival. The resident then receives a benefits package by email.
Who can take part and what the rewards look like
According to Khaleej Times, UAE nationals and residents aged 18 or over with a valid Emirates ID can nominate guests. The guests must be non-residents who arrive on a tourist visa by air, sea or road.
Rewards vary by hotel and have included:
- Percentage discounts at selected hotels
- Dining and spa credits
- A third night free at some participating hotels
- Free stays for young children at some properties
Gulf News has described the total package as worth up to Dh3,000 in hotel, dining and attraction perks. Residents can receive a maximum of three reward packages, and flights, visas and accommodation costs remain the visitor’s responsibility.
Is A Dubai Invite 2026 still open?
Probably not for new sign-ups. The campaign ran from 20 July, and guests must arrive by 31 October 2026. Euronews reported that registration closed in early September after about 90,000 resident applications. If you were approved, benefits can generally be used until 31 December 2026.
If you missed it, the rest of this guide still applies. Hosting visitors works the same way with or without a campaign. Check DET’s official channels for any new round.
Hosting Guests in Dubai: Start with the Visa
If your guests are coming from abroad and are not eligible for visa-free entry, you may need to sponsor a visit visa. Gulf News, citing GDRFA Dubai, reported these rules:
- Residents can sponsor relatives and friends for visits of up to 120 days a year.
- Visas are single or multiple entry, valid for 30, 60 or 90 days.
- Minimum monthly salary for the sponsor is Dh4,000 for first-degree relatives and Dh8,000 for second- and third-degree relatives. For friends it is Dh15,000.
- Fees depend on visa type, and a refundable deposit applies.
Rules and fees change, so confirm the current requirements through GDRFA or the Amer service before you apply. Guests also need a passport valid for at least six months and proof of accommodation. Many nationalities qualify for visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry, which skips sponsorship entirely.
Getting Around Dubai with Visitors
Dubai is spread out. Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah and Jumeirah Beach each sit in a different direction, and the desert and Abu Dhabi are further still. Here is how the main options compare when you are hosting:
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Most hosts end up mixing these. For example, a metro ride into Downtown on a busy evening, then a car for everything else.
Why a Rental Car Works Well When You Host
Your own car may not fit five visitors, a stroller and luggage. A rental fills that gap for a week or two without a long commitment. It also gives you control over the schedule, so you can stop at a beach when the kids need a break or leave an attraction when everyone is tired.
If you want to compare providers, Rentoline lists rental options, and its page on Car Rental Companies in Dubai for Your Needs can help you shortlist companies before you ask for quotes.
Choosing the right car
Match the car to the group, not the badge:
- Two to four people, mostly city driving: a compact or mid-size sedan
- Families with kids and luggage: a mid-size or 7-seat SUV
- Elderly guests: an easier-entry SUV or sedan with a higher seat
- Large groups: consider a minivan, or two cars
What to check before you book
Do not judge a deal by its daily rate alone. Ask about:
- Deposit: the amount and how fast it is refunded.
- Mileage limits: day trips to Abu Dhabi or Hatta can use up a low daily cap.
- Salik tolls: these are charged per gate crossing, and some companies add an admin fee.
- Insurance and excess: what is covered, and what you pay if there is damage.
- Child seats: UAE rules cover car seats for young children, so confirm current requirements and request seats in advance.
- Who can drive: if a guest wants to drive, ask what license they need. Some nationalities need an international permit.
Ask for the total price in writing, including delivery and extras.
Places to Visit in Dubai by Car
A car makes it simple to combine areas that are awkward by public transport. These are practical groupings:
- Jumeirah coast: Kite Beach, Jumeirah Mosque and the Burj Al Arab views. Good for a relaxed morning.
- Downtown Dubai: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the fountain show. Park at the mall and plan for evening traffic.
- Dubai Marina and JBR: the promenade, the beach and plenty of restaurants. Parking is tight, so check your building or garage options.
- Palm Jumeirah: the drive itself, plus sunset spots and resort areas.
- Old Dubai: Al Fahidi, the Creek, and the gold and spice souks. Park once and walk.
- Al Qudra and desert drives: open space, cycling tracks and lakes. Check seasonal conditions.
- Hatta: about an hour and a half from Dubai, with mountain scenery and dams.
- Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Corniche, roughly 140 kilometers away.
Global Village is a seasonal attraction that usually runs through the cooler months, so check opening dates before you plan around it.
Things to Do in Dubai with Family
Families need a rhythm of activity and rest. A few ideas that suit different ages:
- Beaches: public beaches along Jumeirah have lifeguards and facilities.
- Parks and open spaces: Dubai has many family parks with playgrounds and shade.
- Museums and aquariums: these work well in the heat or when kids need indoor time.
- Boat or dhow rides: a gentler evening option for older guests.
- Desert experiences: often booked with a tour operator, which handles the off-road driving.
Many outdoor activities are comfortable from October to April. In summer, shift outdoor plans to early morning or evening.
A Sample Three-Day Plan
This is a hypothetical plan for a family of five visiting for the first time:
Day 1: Ease in. Airport pickup, rest, then a sunset walk along Jumeirah Beach and an early dinner nearby.
Day 2: The big sights. Burj Khalifa in the morning, lunch at Dubai Mall, then a rest at home. Dubai Marina for dinner.
Day 3: Day trip. Early start for Abu Dhabi or Hatta, with a long lunch and a return before evening traffic.
Leave breathing room. Jet lag and heat make a packed schedule hard for kids and older guests.
Mistakes Hosts Often Make
- Overpacking the itinerary. Three attractions a day is plenty.
- Ignoring traffic. Weekday rush hours slow major roads, and Sheikh Zayed Road can back up quickly.
- Skipping the rental fine print. Deposits, mileage caps and toll charges can surprise you.
- Forgetting dress codes. Mosques and some venues expect modest clothing.
- Booking a car too late. Holiday and winter periods book up faster.
- Assuming your guests know the rules. Explain local laws, tipping habits and etiquette before they arrive.
Final Thoughts
A Dubai Invite showed how much the city values residents who bring family and friends over, even if the 2026 round has mostly closed. Whether or not you took part, the real work of hosting is the same: sort the visa early, pace the days and plan how everyone will get around.
For many families, a rental car is the simplest answer. Compare quotes from a few companies, check the deposit, mileage and Salik terms, and book before the busy season. Then you can spend your time with your guests instead of looking for a taxi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Dubai Invite?
It is a Dubai campaign run by DET that lets residents nominate overseas family and friends. Verified guests unlock hotel, dining and attraction perks for the resident who invited them.
Can I still join A Dubai Invite in 2026?
Registration reportedly closed in early September 2026, and guests had to arrive by 31 October. If you already registered, benefits can generally be used until 31 December 2026. Check DET’s official channels for updates.
Can I sponsor a friend or relative on a visit visa?
Yes, if you hold a valid UAE residence visa and meet the salary requirement. GDRFA rules reported by Gulf News set different minimums for relatives and friends. Confirm the current rules and fees before applying.
Do my guests need a car rental in Dubai?
Not always. The metro and taxis work for central areas. A rental car becomes more useful for families, multiple stops and day trips outside the city.
Can tourists drive a rental car in Dubai?
Usually yes, with a valid driving license and the right documents. Some nationalities also need an international driving permit. Ask the rental company before arrival.
What are the best places to visit in Dubai by car?
Popular options include Jumeirah Beach, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Al Qudra, Hatta and Abu Dhabi. Group nearby places together to save time.
Related rental links
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