Dubai launches exclusive tourism club, moves visa applications online

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has announced two tourism initiatives aimed at attracting repeat visitors and simplifying travel to the emirate, according to the state news agency WAM.

The initiatives, set to launch in November 2026, include the Dubai Access Club, an invitation-only membership program for returning visitors, and the integration of tourist visa applications into Visit Dubai, the emirate's official tourism website.

The measures are part of Dubai's efforts to strengthen its position as a global tourism destination and support the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to make the emirate one of the world's top three destinations for business and leisure.

What is Dubai Access Club?

Dubai Access Club is an invitation-only membership program designed for people who visit the emirate repeatedly. Described as the world's first city-led tourism membership program of its kind, it will offer selected members exclusive experiences, services and benefits.

The program aims to encourage repeat visits, strengthen visitors' ties with Dubai and create closer connections with the city's business community and wider economy.

It will also bring together exclusive offers and experiences to give returning travelers additional reasons to choose Dubai.

How will tourist visa applications work through Visit Dubai?

Dubai is integrating tourist visa applications and other government services into Visit Dubai, allowing travelers to access them through a single digital platform rather than navigating multiple websites and government entities.

The platform will also provide services and information covering different stages of a visit, including discovering attractions, booking tickets, exploring events and planning itineraries.

Initially, visitors will be able to apply for single-entry and multiple-entry tourist visas, with additional visa categories planned for the future.

The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) will continue to assess applications and issue visas. Further details about the service will be announced later.

Who developed the new tourism initiatives?

The initiatives were developed jointly by GDRFA Dubai, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Digital Dubai under the Shared Digital Channels Initiative.

Approved by Sheikh Hamdan in February 2025 and led by Digital Dubai, the initiative aims to bring government and private-sector services together through seven unified digital platforms.

It also uses technologies such as artificial intelligence to personalize services and anticipate users' needs, making government services more accessible and integrated.

What did Sheikh Hamdan say about Dubai tourism?

Sheikh Hamdan said Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a global tourism hub through innovation, high-quality services and distinctive visitor experiences.

He described tourism as a key pillar of the emirate's economy and said investment in technology, innovation and public-private partnerships would help attract investment, create opportunities and support sustainable economic growth.

He also reaffirmed Dubai's ambition to rank among the world's top three destinations for tourism and business.

What did Dubai officials say about the initiatives?

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of DET, said the initiatives aim to remove barriers for visitors while creating greater value and encouraging repeat visits.

He stressed that cooperation between government entities and the private sector would be essential to translating these initiatives into wider economic benefits.

Lt. Gen. Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director-General of GDRFA Dubai, said the measures reflect the emirate's ambition to provide a seamless visitor experience, from travel planning to departure.

He described the integration of tourist visa applications into Visit Dubai as an important step towards a unified digital journey, while maintaining security and efficiency.

Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director-General of Digital Dubai, said the Shared Digital Channels Initiative connects different service platforms, allowing users to access government services without needing to navigate individual entities.

He said Digital Dubai aims to use data and artificial intelligence to deliver more personalized and proactive services.