Dubai has launched the Dubai Access Club, an invitation-only membership programme for frequent visitors to the emirate, combining a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa with a package of exclusive benefits from private sector partners.
The programme was unveiled by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and is being delivered jointly by the General Directorate for Identity and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Invitations will be extended through the loyalty programmes and corporate networks of launch partners Emirates, Accor and Visa, with more partners expected to join.
Members who meet eligibility criteria and have their visa applications approved will gain access to a set of perks that grows as the programme matures. Confirmed at launch are GDRFA Dubai’s ALSAADA Tourist Card, which offers promotions across the city, and a Majid Al Futtaim gift card loaded with spend credit. Hotel room upgrades, lounge access and priority booking windows for events are listed as forthcoming additions.
The programme also has a corporate angle. Multinational companies affiliated with launch partners can nominate eligible employees, making it easier for executives and business travellers to return to Dubai for meetings or events throughout the year.
Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, framed the initiative as a direct expression of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. “Guided by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the launch of ‘Dubai Access Club’ stands as a compelling testament to the city’s commitment to innovation in tourism, and complements our diverse destination offering. Repeat visitation has long constituted a cornerstone of Dubai’s growth story, facilitated by a sustained focus on accessibility, service and safety. The introduction of ‘Dubai Access Club’ further underlines the city’s ability to create affinity and connection with visitors, elevating the guest experience and creating new avenues for engagement with the destination. This is yet another clear example of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 in action: forging innovative partnerships between government and the private sector to drive growth and cement Dubai’s position as a leading destination for business and leisure,” he said in a statement.
“‘Dubai Access Club’ is a practical step towards translating Dubai’s ambition to build lasting relationships with visitors into services that make returning easier and bring added value to every visit. At GDRFA Dubai, we work to ensure that entry procedures and related services reflect the efficiency visitors trust, while complementing the benefits offered by our partners to deliver a seamless experience that encourages them to choose Dubai again. Our role focuses on simplifying procedures and developing flexible, proactive services that respond to the needs of repeat visitors, while maintaining the highest standards of security and operational efficiency. Through our collaboration with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and the programme’s partners, we connect ease of access with an integrated experience across the emirate, strengthening visitors’ confidence in its services and reinforcing Dubai’s position as a first-choice destination they can confidently return to,” Major General Khalaf Ahmad Al Ghaith, Assistant Director General of the Entry Permits and Residency Sector at the General Directorate for Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai added.
The launch follows DET’s earlier initiative this year, A Dubai Invite, which offered residents rewards for bringing international visitors to the emirate. Both programmes reflect a broader strategic push to shift Dubai’s tourism model beyond first-time arrivals and toward sustained loyalty among repeat travellers.
