DestinationsAnalysis
Dubai launches city-wide tourism loyalty programme and visa portal
Visit Dubai website will process tourist visa applications from November 2026 under initiatives announced by Crown Prince.
Dubai announced a city-wide tourism loyalty programme and an integrated visa application portal through its official tourism website, Visit Dubai, with the visa service launching in November 2026. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who serves as Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and chairs The Executive Council of Dubai, announced the initiatives.
Visa application service through Visit Dubai#
From November 2026, travellers will submit applications for single-entry and multiple-entry tourist visas via the Visit Dubai website. GDRFA Dubai, the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs for the emirate, will assess each application and issue visas under the new arrangement. Additional visa categories will be introduced at a later stage. The service is being developed by GDRFA Dubai, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Digital Dubai as part of the Shared Digital Channels Initiative, a programme that consolidates government services onto unified digital platforms. The website already provides information on attractions, experiences, ticket bookings, events and itineraries.
Dubai Access Club membership programme#
The Dubai Access Club will operate as an invitation-only membership programme offering exclusive benefits and experiences to repeat visitors. Frequent visitors will find it easier to return to Dubai through the club, which provides access to offers and experiences via a membership platform. Members will receive exclusive experiences, services and benefits designed to encourage repeat visits. The club will be open to invited members only.
Integration under Shared Digital Channels Initiative#
The initiatives form part of the Shared Digital Channels Initiative, approved by Sheikh Hamdan in February 2025. Led by Digital Dubai, the initiative aims to bring public and private sector services together across seven unified platforms. The integration allows travellers to access tourism services and apply for visas through one platform rather than navigating multiple websites and applications. Digital Dubai Director General Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori stated the integration would improve connectivity and accessibility of government services through unified digital platforms.
Tourism under Dubai Economic Agenda D33#
Sheikh Hamdan stated the initiatives would enhance the visitor journey at multiple stages while advancing Dubai's goal of ranking among the top three global destinations for business and leisure travel, an objective set out in the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of DET, stated the measures would reduce friction points for visitors, deliver additional value and build incentives for return trips to Dubai. GDRFA Dubai Director General Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri stated the visa service would simplify access to government procedures while maintaining security and efficiency.
Sources2 sources across 2 domains
- khaleejtimes.comKhaleej TimesDubai Crown Prince launched city-wide tourism loyalty programme and visa application service through Visit Dubai
- gulfnews.comGulf NewsVisa service launches November 2026, Dubai Access Club is invitation-only, initiatives developed under Shared Digital Channels Initiative approved February 2025
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