Dubai has set out the full terms of Dubai Access Club, its invitation-only membership programme for repeat visitors, confirming that members receive a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa along with a package of shopping, hotel and travel perks.
The programme was launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and is run by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Dubai describes it as the first tourism membership scheme of its kind to be led by a city.
When the club was first announced on November 1, not every outlet could confirm whether the five-year visa was part of membership, as Al Gulf News noted in its report on tourist visas moving to Visit Dubai. Details published on November 5 by Khaleej Times, Gulf News and The National now confirm that it is.
Who can join Dubai Access Club
Membership is not open to the general public. Invitations are issued through partners, namely selected loyalty programmes and multinational companies linked to the launch partners Emirates, Accor and Visa.
According to The National, people can register their interest on the Visit Dubai website by naming a participating employer or an existing loyalty programme. Programmes listed include Emirates Skywards, U by Emaar, IHG One Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, Jumeirah One, Taj InnerCircle-NeuPass and Hilton Honours. Registering interest does not guarantee an invitation, membership or a visa.
Every visa remains subject to approval by GDRFA Dubai, and members can activate their membership only once their visa application has been approved.
Fees and what members receive
The National reports an application fee of Dh4,032.50, which covers membership, the visa application and associated benefits. Applicants who are already inside the UAE pay an additional Dh650. If GDRFA Dubai rejects the visa, the fee is refunded minus a Dh183 deduction, the newspaper said.
The five-year visa allows stays of up to 90 days at a time within a one-year period, according to The National, and membership lasts for as long as the visa is valid.
- Five-year multiple-entry tourist visa, subject to GDRFA Dubai approval
- ALSAADA Tourist Card from GDRFA Dubai, with offers and privileges across the city
- Majid Al Futtaim gift card loaded with credit for its malls and destinations, as reported by Khaleej Times and Gulf News
- Benefits worth up to Dh2,000 for hotels, attractions and retail, according to The National
- A free prepaid du SIM card, according to The National
- Coming later through partners: hotel room upgrades, airport lounge access and early booking windows for events
Visa Infinite cardholders and some Emirates Skywards members are set to receive additional privileges, while eligible employees of participating multinational companies should find repeat business trips easier to arrange. Further offers and partners will be announced later.
What officials said
Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, told Khaleej Times that “repeat visitation has long constituted a cornerstone of Dubai’s growth story”.
Major General Khalaf Ahmad Al Ghaith of GDRFA Dubai said the programme simplifies returning to Dubai and adds value to each visit, while Adnan Kazim of Emirates said loyal Skywards members will receive enhanced privileges during their stay, Gulf News reported.
The club supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and follows A Dubai Invite, an earlier DET initiative that rewards residents who invite visitors to the city.
What UAE residents should know
- The club is aimed at frequent visitors rather than residents, but it may be relevant for relatives and business contacts who travel to Dubai often.
- Use official channels only, such as Visit Dubai and GDRFA Dubai, and be cautious of any third party offering guaranteed membership.
- Paying the fee does not guarantee approval, so check eligibility carefully before applying.
- Full terms for partner offers have not yet been published, so benefits may be added over time.
Sources: Khaleej Times, Gulf News, The National
