The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched a new travel trade program allowing participating partners to provide free UAE entry visas to Indian passport holders who book vacations in Abu Dhabi.
Running from 1 August to 31 October 2026, the initiative is applicable to reservations that consist of at least a three-night stay in Abu Dhabi.
As part of the initiative, DCT Abu Dhabi announced it will fund the entire cost of UAE entry visas for qualifying bookings, lowering the initial expense of visiting Abu Dhabi and allowing travel partners to offer more value to their clients.
The program has been created solely for participating travel partners and online travel agencies. Visitors reserving a three-night Abu Dhabi package through participating partners will obtain their UAE entry visa at no extra charge.
Also Read: Regional De-Escalation Efforts Bolster QSE Performance
Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, stated that India remains a key international market, and DCT Abu Dhabi is dedicated to collaborating with travel partners to enhance accessibility to Abu Dhabi for Indian tourists.
The program is accessible to Indian passport holders leaving India who make a reservation for an Abu Dhabi vacation through participating travel partners. Qualifying reservations must entail a minimum of three consecutive nights at a hotel in Abu Dhabi and a round-trip flight originating from India.
Travel partners participating can select from two program options. They can either collaborate with a DCT-designated Destination Management Company (DMC), where DCT Abu Dhabi will cover visa fees directly, or maintain their current DMC partners, receiving AED 285 back from DCT Abu Dhabi for each visa processed.
Also Read: LG, Nvidia Chiefs to Discuss AI, Robotics Partnership
The initiative will initially facilitate up to 20,000 visas during the trial phase and is a part of DCT Abu Dhabi's ongoing involvement with the Indian market. It continues recent efforts to enhance air links, broaden travel trade collaborations, and generate new chances for Indian travelers to explore Abu Dhabi.
The program will first facilitate up to 20,000 visas throughout its three-month trial phase. DCT Abu Dhabi stated that the initiative is part of its ongoing involvement with the Indian market and follows efforts to enhance air connectivity, broaden travel trade collaborations, and generate new opportunities for Indian travelers to enjoy Abu Dhabi.
“India continues to be one of our most important international markets, and we remain committed to working closely with our travel partners to make Abu Dhabi even more accessible for Indian travellers,” according to Abdulla Yousuf.
Also Read: Top Leader Urges Stronger Planning for Modern Infrastructure
“By covering the cost of UAE entry visas, we are making it simpler for Indian travellers to choose Abu Dhabi while giving our travel partners another compelling reason to recommend the destination.”
Yousuf mentioned that DCT Abu Dhabi anticipated an increase in Indian visitors who are dedicating more time to discovering the emirate’s culture, entertainment, hospitality, and natural sights.