Dubai: Every time you leave Dubai, do you already plan your next trip to the city? Then it may be time to gain access to the emirate’s exclusive membership programme: Dubai Access Club.

Here’s everything frequent visitors to Dubai need to know about the latest tourism initiative in the emirate.

What is Dubai Access Club?

Announced on November 1 by 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, the Dubai Access Club is a new initiative that is helping enhance the competitiveness of the city’s tourism sector.

It is the world’s first city-led, invitation-only tourism membership programme.

The initiative has 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 Dubai Access Club supports the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to position Dubai among the world’s top three global destinations for business and leisure.

What are the key features of the Dubai Access Club?

The Dubai Access Club is a membership programme for repeat visitors, and offers invited members exclusive experiences, services and benefits. Here are key membership benefits to note, with more being planned:

  • Exclusive membership: It is an exclusive, invite-only programme for repeat visitors. Applications are only available through select corporate, tourism and hospitality partners.
  • Visa privileges: If your application is successful, you receive a five-year, multi-entry tourist visa, with which you can stay for up to 90 days at a time, within a one-year period.
  • Credit to spend: Members get access to Dh2,000 credit to spend on a curated selection of Dubai’s best hotels, attractions and retail outlets.
  • Free SIM card: A complimentary prepaid SIM card from du is provided upon the member’s arrival in Dubai.
  • Exclusive discounts and offers: A range of over 20 exclusive privileges and promotions are reserved for ALSAADA cardholders (a loyalty and concession programme created by the GDRFA). Members also receive a Majid Al Futtaim gift card, loaded with credit to spend on experiences across its retail stores and destinations.

What happens once I get an invitation to the Dubai Access Club?

If you have received an invitation to be a part of Dubai Access Club, and are interested in joining, you will need to fill out the application you receive in the invitation message.

Next, you will be asked to upload the following required documents:

  • Personal photograph.
  • Passport copy.
  • Six-month bank statement.
  • Proof of health insurance.
  • Round-trip ticket.

Finally, you will be required to pay the membership fee.

Once GDRFA approves your application, you will receive your five-year visa by email, following which, your Dubai Access Club membership will be confirmed and you will receive information about your benefits via email.

The membership is valid for the duration of your multi-entry visa.

The entire process typically takes up to 48 hours from the moment your application and payment are submitted. However, processing times may vary based on individual circumstances.

How much does membership cost?

The fee to apply for Dubai Access Club is Dh4,032.50. This includes membership to the programme as well as the fee for the five-year multi-entry visa, along with other benefits.

There is an additional charge of Dh650 for visitors applying from within the UAE.

Note that in the event that your visa is rejected by the GDRFA, you will receive a refund of your application fee, less a deduction of Dh183.

How do I register my interest in Dubai Access Club?

Note that Dubai Access Club is an invitation-only programme. Registering your interest does not guarantee an invitation to join. However, you can do so through Visit Dubai, the city’s official tourism website.

The registration portal offers two avenues:

Register as an employee: This option allows employees to recommend their employers as partners for the Dubai Access Club. The form lists a range of employers, from Emaar Hospitality Group and Emirates Airline to Jumeirah Group, Accor, Hilton and others.

Register as a loyalty programme member: This option allows individuals who would like their existing loyalty programme to partner with Dubai Access Club. Listed programmes include Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt, Taj InnerCircle – Neu Pass, and more.

Follow these steps to register your interest:

  • Visit the registration page on Dubai’s tourism website, Visit Dubai, at visitdubai.com/en/dubai-access-club/register-your-interest.
  • Select whether you would like to register as an employee or as a loyalty programme member.
  • Choose your employer or loyalty programme from the dropdown menu.
  • Enter your employee ID, if applicable, as well as your email address.
  • Enter your personal details, including your full name, phone number, passport information, nationality and date of birth.
  • Enter your WhatsApp number, which may be used for future updates from the DET.
  • Review and submit your information.

Dubai Access Club will be in touch with you when opportunities become available, however registering interest is not a guarantee of membership.