Dubai launches invitation-only Access Club and tourist visa applications through Visit Dubai

Dubai announced on November 1 two tourism initiatives: Dubai Access Club, an invitation-only membership programme, and tourist visa applications through the official Visit Dubai website. They were announced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and are due to be implemented during November 2026, as part of a push to make trips easier to plan and encourage repeat visits.

Access Club: invitation only, with selection criteria still to be announced

The Dubai Media Office describes Dubai Access Club as the world's first city-led, invitation-only tourism membership programme, for frequent and repeat visitors, who will receive exclusive experiences, services and benefits through a membership platform. Who will be invited and the full list of perks and partner businesses have not yet been announced, according to reports.

Visit Dubai visas: single and multiple entry, with assessment unchanged

The second initiative brings tourist visa applications into Visit Dubai, so visitors can discover attractions, book tickets, plan itineraries and apply for single-entry or multiple-entry tourist visas in one place, with further visa categories planned later. Dubai stresses that the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) will continue to assess applications and issue visas, and that applying through Visit Dubai does not guarantee approval. The initiatives were developed jointly by GDRFA Dubai, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Digital Dubai under the Shared Digital Channels Initiative, approved in February 2025. Visit Dubai lists current tourist visa fees starting at Dh200 for a 30-day single-entry visa, plus 5% VAT, with processing typically taking three working days; the exact activation date and application process are still to be announced.