Hamdan bin Mohammed launches Dubai tourism membership programme and Visit Dubai tourist visa service

Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has announced two new initiatives to further enhance the competitiveness of Dubai’s tourism sector. Aimed at facilitating access for visitors, strengthening their connection with the city and providing a seamless travel experience, the initiatives support the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to position Dubai among the world’s top three global destinations for business and leisure. The measures include the launch of the world’s first city-led, invitation-only tourism membership programme and a new option to apply for tourist visas through Visit Dubai, the city’s official tourism website. Both initiatives, which will be implemented during November 2026, have been developed through a collaboration between the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai), the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Digital Dubai under the Shared Digital Channels Initiative. The initiative brings government services together through unified digital platforms. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: “Under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the emirate continues to enhance its appeal as a leading global tourism hub through innovation, outstanding services and memorable experiences.” “We are committed to positioning Dubai among the world’s top three tourism destinations through initiatives that enrich every stage of the visitor journey and set new standards for hospitality and service excellence. Our goal is to make the city the preferred choice for travellers worldwide and a global benchmark for quality and convenience.” His Highness added: “Tourism is a key pillar of Dubai’s economy. By harnessing technology, fostering innovation and strengthening public-private partnerships, we aim to attract more investment, open up new opportunities and strengthen the sector’s contribution to long-term growth, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.” Dubai Access Club Dubai Access Club, a membership programme for repeat visitors, will provide invited members with exclusive experiences, services and benefits. Designed to encourage repeat visits, the programme will make returning to Dubai easier and more rewarding. Dubai Access Club will bring together exclusive offers and benefits that enrich the visitor experience and give travellers more reasons to return to the city. Its launch builds on Dubai’s long-term approach to deepening visitors’ connection with the destination and fostering lasting relationships that encourage recommendations, repeat visits and engagement with the city’s economy and business community. A single platform for visitor services Under the Shared Digital Channels Initiative, more government services, including tourist visa applications, are being integrated into Visit Dubai, the city’s official tourism website. The platform brings these services together with information and tools that support every stage of the visitor journey, from discovering attractions and experiences to booking tickets, exploring events and planning itineraries. Visitors will be able to access the services they need through a single channel, without navigating multiple websites, applications or entities. As part of this initiative, Visit Dubai will offer applications for single-entry and multiple-entry tourist visas, with plans to introduce further visa categories in the future. GDRFA Dubai will remain responsible for assessing visa applications and issuing visas, with further service details to be announced in due course. The initiatives reflect Dubai’s continued efforts to advance its tourism ecosystem, enhance the visitor experience and strengthen the city’s global appeal, driving the sector’s growth and its contribution to the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said: “Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai continues to focus on creating new opportunities for growth, strengthening its global connectivity and making it easier for people to visit, do business and invest in the city. “Tourism plays a critical role in this ambition, generating economic value well beyond the sector itself. These initiatives are about removing barriers, creating greater value for visitors and giving people more reasons to return to Dubai. Equally important is the collaboration between government and the private sector to translate these opportunities into tangible economic impact, supporting businesses, stimulating demand and contributing to the wider object