His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has announced two new initiatives to develop the emirate’s tourism sector: the launch of the first citywide tourist loyalty programme and the introduction of tourist visa applications through the official Visit Dubai website. The initiatives are scheduled to launch in November 2026 and aim to make travel to Dubai easier and encourage repeat visits.

Sheikh Hamdan, who is also the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, announced the initiatives on Sunday, November 1, as part of efforts to enhance the competitiveness of the tourism industry and improve the visitor experience.

The initiatives will be implemented in partnership with the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, and Digital Dubai as part of a joint initiative to integrate digital government service channels.

Dubai launches exclusive club for tourists

A key component of the programme is the launch of the Dubai Access Club, which Dubai officials have described as the world’s first citywide membership and loyalty programme for tourists.

The club is designed for frequent visitors to Dubai, with membership available by invitation only.

Members will gain access to a range of special offers, exclusive services and unique tourism experiences. The club aims to encourage repeat visits, strengthen travellers’ connection with Dubai and provide additional benefits to frequent visitors.

However, details such as membership selection criteria, how invitations will be issued and the full list of benefits have yet to be announced.

Dubai tourist visa applications through a single website

The second initiative will add tourist visa application services to Dubai’s official tourism website, Visit Dubai.

Once the service is activated, travellers will be able to apply through the website for single-entry or multiple-entry tourist visas. Applications for other visa categories are also expected to be added to the platform in the future.

The Visit Dubai website currently provides information on tourist attractions and events, as well as ticket booking and trip-planning services. With the addition of government services, travellers will be able to complete more of their travel planning and preparation through a single portal.

However, the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai will remain responsible for reviewing applications and issuing visas. Submitting an application through Visit Dubai does not guarantee approval or issuance of a visa.

Dubai officials said the service would be activated in the near future, with further details on the exact launch date and application process to be announced later.

Dubai aims to rank among the world’s top three tourism destinations
Highlighting the tourism industry’s importance to Dubai’s economy, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said the emirate is seeking to improve the quality of tourism services and increase its appeal to international visitors by harnessing technology and innovation and strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors.

He added that Dubai aims to rank among the world’s top three destinations for tourism and business while providing integrated services throughout every stage of a traveller’s journey, from initial planning to the end of the visit.

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said the initiatives could help increase repeat visits and strengthen tourism-related economic activity by making services more accessible and offering exclusive benefits to travellers.

The measures support the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which focuses on strengthening Dubai’s global position as a tourism and business destination, attracting investment and advancing economic development.