Dubai Acces Club gives repeat visitors a five-year visa

Dubai has introduced a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa for selected repeat visitors under Dubai Access Club, an invitation-only membership programme offering privileges at shopping, hospitality and entertainment destinations.

The programme’s details were unveiled by the General Directorate for Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). It was recently launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, as part of efforts to strengthen the emirate’s tourism sector.

Frequent travellers can join through nominations from participating partners. Membership becomes active after visa applications are approved and applicants meet the specified eligibility criteria, the Dubai Media Office (DMO) reported.

Shopping and hospitality privileges

Initial offerings include GDRFA Dubai’s ALSAADA Tourist Card, which provides discounts across the city, and a Majid Al Futtaim gift card loaded with credit for use at its retail outlets and destinations.

Other benefits planned for members include hotel room upgrades, airport lounge access and advance booking opportunities for events.

Emirates, Accor and Visa are among the programme’s launch partners. Invitations will be extended through selected loyalty programmes and multinational companies associated with these organisations, with more partners expected to join.

Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, part of DET, said the initiative would strengthen Dubai’s relationship with international visitors and support the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

Major General Khalaf Ahmad Al Ghaith, Assistant Director General of the Entry Permits and Residency Sector at GDRFA Dubai, said the authority would focus on streamlining entry procedures and developing flexible services while maintaining security standards.

Airlines and hospitality groups extend support

Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim said eligible Skywards members would receive additional privileges at hotels, restaurants, attractions and other venues.

Accor CEO for the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific Duncan O’Rourke said the initiative would allow hospitality brands to offer more personalised experiences to returning guests.

Visa Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager for the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar Fadi Moukaddem said Visa Infinite cardholders visiting Dubai would receive additional benefits through the company’s global network and cardholder offers.

The scheme also covers eligible employees of participating multinational companies, making it easier for them to travel to Dubai for corporate meetings and events.

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