Dubai has announced an invitation-only Dubai Access Club for repeat visitors and will allow tourists to apply for single- and multiple-entry visas through the Visit Dubai website. Both initiatives are due to be implemented during November
DUBAI: Dubai has announced two new tourism initiatives, including an invitation-only membership programme and direct tourist visa applications through the Visit Dubai website. Both services will launch during November 2026.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, announced the measures to improve visitor convenience and encourage repeat tourism. The initiatives support Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33, which aims to position the emirate among the world’s top three destinations for business and leisure.
Dubai Access Club to Reward Repeat Visitors
Dubai Access Club will become what officials describe as the world’s first city-led, invitation-only tourism membership programme.
The scheme will offer returning visitors exclusive experiences, services and benefits across Dubai. It aims to strengthen relationships with tourists and encourage them to visit more frequently. However, authorities have not yet announced membership eligibility requirements, invitation procedures or specific rewards.
Tourist Visa Applications Through Visit Dubai
Visitors will soon be able to apply for single-entry and multiple-entry tourist visas through the official Visit Dubai website. The service will bring visa applications together with existing travel planning tools, including attraction bookings, events and suggested itineraries.
The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) will continue assessing applications and issuing visas. Authorities plan to introduce additional visa categories later. Further details about the application process will follow.
One Digital Platform for Tourists
GDRFA Dubai, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and Digital Dubai developed both initiatives under the Shared Digital Channels Initiative. The programme aims to integrate government services into unified digital platforms, reducing the need for visitors to use multiple websites.
Dubai expects the changes to simplify travel planning, strengthen visitor engagement and support tourism growth. The new services also reflect the emirate’s wider efforts to improve digital government access while attracting more international travellers.
Impact to Expect
The initiatives could simplify visa applications, encourage repeat visits and increase tourism spending across Dubai’s hospitality, retail and entertainment sectors.
