Dubai launches invitation-only tourism club and online visa service
By Business & Property Desk2 min read
Dubai will become the first city globally to offer a city-led tourism membership programme, as Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced two new initiatives on Tuesday.
Visa applications via Visit Dubai
From November 2026, travellers will be able to apply for single-entry and multiple-entry tourist visas through the official tourism website Visit Dubai. Further visa categories are planned for the future. The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) will continue to assess applications and issue visas. Additional details are expected to be announced later.
Sheikh Hamdan, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said the initiatives aim to boost Dubai’s appeal as a leading global tourism destination and improve different stages of the visitor journey.
Dubai Access Club for repeat visitors
The second initiative, Dubai Access Club, is an invitation-only membership programme offering exclusive benefits, experiences and services to repeat visitors. The programme is designed to make returning to Dubai easier for frequent travellers while giving them access to offers through a membership platform.
The two initiatives are being developed by GDRFA Dubai, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Digital Dubai under the Shared Digital Channels Initiative, which brings government services together through unified digital platforms.
Integration and long-term goals
The new visa application option forms part of a wider effort to integrate government services into Visit Dubai. The website already provides information and tools for visitors planning their trips, including attractions, experiences, ticket bookings, events and itineraries. The integration will allow travellers to access these services and apply for visas through one platform rather than navigating multiple websites and applications.
Sheikh Hamdan said tourism is a key part of the emirate’s economy, and that technology, innovation and public-private partnerships would help attract investment and support long-term growth under the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. Dubai aims to rank among the world’s top three destinations for business and leisure.
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of DET, said the measures were aimed at removing barriers for visitors, creating greater value and encouraging people to return to Dubai. GDRFA Dubai Director General Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri said the visa service would simplify access to government procedures while maintaining security and efficiency. Digital Dubai Director General Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori said the integration was part of efforts to make government services more connected and accessible through unified digital platforms.
Sheikh Hamdan approved the Shared Digital Channels Initiative in February 2025. Led by Digital Dubai, it aims to bring public and private sector services together across seven unified platforms. The initiative also uses technologies such as artificial intelligence to personalise services and anticipate users’ needs.
