The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) launched the "A Dubai Invite" program on 22/7. This initiative encourages residents to become "ambassadors" for the destination by inviting family and friends to visit between 20/7 and 31/10.

Taxis in Dubai's Marina area on 21/7. *Photo: AFP*

According to Dubai authorities, each successful invitation includes an incentive package valued at over 3,000 dirhams (approximately 820 USD). This package covers hotel stays, dining vouchers, attraction tickets, and various other tourism services. Residents can register their invitees on the program's website to claim these benefits.

Dubai hopes the program will boost tourism demand during the summer, typically a low season due to temperatures in the UAE often reaching 50 degrees Celsius. This initiative comes as the city's tourism sector seeks to recover from recent setbacks.

Dubai has long been a premier Middle Eastern destination, attracting around 19,5 million international visitors annually. However, the city's tourism industry experienced a significant downturn after conflict erupted in the region since February.

Missile and drone attacks targeting the country raised security concerns. Several hotels on the Palm artificial island and the Burj Al Arab resort were affected, leading many tourists to cancel trips during the peak season towards the end of the year.

Tourists walking on a Dubai street. *Photo: OurEmirates*

Following a ceasefire that took effect on 8/4, international visitor numbers began to recover, though slowly. Statistics indicate that many hotels currently serve primarily domestic tourists and expatriates living and working in the UAE.

To support its economy, Dubai authorities announced an aid package exceeding 400 million USD in May. This included waiving certain fees for hotels and restaurants, reducing customs violation fines, and lowering civil aviation licensing fees. Businesses also received permission to defer service fee payments for three months to ease financial pressure.

In late March, the city also rolled out a support package worth over 270 million USD for businesses and households affected by the hostilities and trade disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz.

Tuan Anh (According to The Straits Times, CNN)