Described as the world’s first city-led programme of its kind, the scheme is designed to reward frequent visitors to Dubai with exclusive travel privileges and additional services.

The initiative was launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, as part of wider efforts to strengthen the emirate’s international position as a tourism and business destination.

Under the programme, eligible travellers can obtain an exclusive membership valid for five years, together with a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa.

Approved members will also gain access to special offers, services and travel experiences provided by participating government entities and private companies.

The initiative is intended to make repeated visits more convenient while allowing members to benefit from the programme’s privileges, subject to applicable immigration requirements and visa conditions.

Authorities clarified that membership is not automatically available to everyone who has previously travelled to Dubai.

Instead, access is restricted to invited applicants nominated through selected partners in the aviation, hospitality and financial services sectors.

Emirates airline, Accor and Visa are among the initial partners involved in the initiative.

Invitations are linked to approved loyalty programmes and partnership arrangements, while visa applications remain subject to official immigration review and approval.

The programme includes a range of exclusive benefits intended to make repeated trips to Dubai more convenient and rewarding.

Eligible members will have access to promotional offers and privileges through the GDRFA’s Alsaada tourist card, as well as credit provided by Majid Al Futtaim that can be used at participating retail outlets and destinations within the group’s portfolio.

These benefits are designed to enhance visitors’ experiences during their stays in the emirate.

Additional privileges are expected to be introduced as more partners join the initiative.

These may include hotel room upgrades, access to hospitality lounges and advance reservations for selected events and experiences.

The participating organisations aim to create a more seamless travel experience while encouraging visitors to return regularly for leisure, business meetings, shopping and other activities throughout Dubai.

The membership process begins when an eligible traveller receives an invitation through an approved programme partner.

The applicant must meet the relevant eligibility requirements and obtain official approval for the associated tourist visa before membership can be activated.

Once the application is approved and membership is confirmed, the traveller can begin accessing the available privileges offered by participating partners, subject to the conditions of each benefit.

Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, explained that the initiative reflects Dubai’s commitment to innovation in the tourism industry and its continued efforts to strengthen the emirate’s position as a leading international destination.

He highlighted the importance of repeat visitors to the sustainable growth of the tourism sector and emphasised the programme’s role in building lasting relationships with travellers.

Major General Khalaf Ahmed Al Ghaith, Assistant Director General for Entry and Residence Permits at GDRFA Dubai, said the programme represents a practical step towards making return visits easier and offering additional value to frequent travellers.

He explained that the authority continues to develop flexible and proactive entry services while maintaining high standards of security and operational efficiency.

Cooperation with tourism and private-sector partners is expected to deliver a more integrated visitor experience.

Several international companies are participating in the initiative, including Emirates, which aims to provide additional privileges to selected members of its Skywards loyalty programme.

Hospitality group Accor is also involved, alongside Visa, which expects eligible Visa Infinite cardholders to benefit from enhanced travel experiences.

More partners are expected to join the programme in the future, expanding the range of offers and services available to approved members.

The Tourism Loyalty Card supports the objectives of Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33, which aims to enhance the emirate’s global competitiveness and promote sustainable economic growth.

The programme also highlights cooperation between government authorities and international businesses in developing integrated visitor services.

By rewarding frequent travellers and simplifying their experiences, Dubai seeks to strengthen its appeal as a destination for tourism, business and entertainment.

Travellers should note that the five-year visa and membership are not guaranteed simply because an individual has visited Dubai before.

Participation depends on receiving an invitation through an approved partner, meeting eligibility requirements and obtaining official visa approval.

Visitors are encouraged to consult the relevant Dubai government authorities and official programme partners for verified information, rather than relying on unauthorised offers promising guaranteed membership or immigration approval.

Source: General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Visit Dubai Official Website, Emarat Al Youm.