ع
The General Directorate for Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai together with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism unveiled the Dubai Access Club as the world’s first city-led invitation-only tourism membership programme. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, launched the initiative to enhance the emirate’s appeal to repeat international tourists. Invitations to join will be extended exclusively through selected loyalty programmes and corporate partners including Emirates, Accor and Visa, according to the Dubai Media Office.
Successful nominees who meet all eligibility criteria and secure visa approval receive a five-year membership paired with a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa. The visa permits stays of up to 90 days at a time, subject to General Directorate for Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai oversight. Applicants must furnish a passport copy, personal photograph, six-month bank statement, health insurance proof and round-trip ticket, Emirates 24|7 reported.
Confirmed members obtain access to the ALSAADA Tourist Card that delivers promotions across Dubai in addition to a Majid Al Futtaim gift card carrying credit for use at participating retail outlets and destinations. A free prepaid SIM card from du is supplied upon arrival in the city. Further advantages such as hotel room upgrades, airport lounge access and priority event bookings will roll out as more partners join the programme, a Khaleej Times assessment found.
Registration of interest takes place through an online form linked to Visit Dubai although completion of the form does not ensure receipt of an invitation. The application fee totals Dh4,032.50 to cover membership, the five-year visa and associated benefits while those applying from inside the UAE pay an extra Dh650. Time Out Dubai data places the programme as part of a broader effort to convert occasional visitors into regular guests who contribute to the local economy.
The Dubai Access Club builds upon existing multiple-entry visa frameworks by bundling them with exclusive member privileges unavailable to the general public. Launch partners such as Emirates Skywards and Visa Infinite will nominate their highest-engagement customers for consideration. The General Directorate for Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism have indicated that additional partners will be revealed in subsequent months.
Programme membership remains valid for the full five-year duration of the approved visa once activated. Officials have framed the scheme as a tool to deepen connections between Dubai and its frequent international visitors. Gulf News figures show the package includes more than 20 ALSAADA privileges alongside the Dh2,000 credit allocation.
