Dubai has launched the “Dubai Invite” initiative to support its tourism sector after international visitor numbers fell amid the ongoing war involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Under the programme, run by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, UAE residents can nominate foreign friends or relatives to visit Dubai. When nominated guests travel, residents can receive a benefit package worth 3,000 UAE dirhams, including free hotel stays, restaurant meals and tickets to attractions.

Residents can receive up to three benefit packages. Visitors must arrive by October 31, while benefits can be used until December. Nominees must be non-UAE residents, travel on valid tourist visas and can be nominated only once. The report said airline traffic at Dubai airport has fallen by half, overall business revenue has dropped by more than 50%, and many hotels are vacant. More than 10,000 applications were submitted within the programme’s first 48 hours, according to local media reports.