Abu Dhabi: Indian tourists booking eligible holiday packages to Abu Dhabi can now receive free UAE entry visas as part of a new promotional initiative launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).
The limited-time offer applies to Indian passport holders traveling directly from India who book an Abu Dhabi holiday through authorized online travel agencies or participating travel trade partners. Running from August 1 through October 31, the pilot program will cover the cost of up to 20,000 visas for qualifying three-night trips to the emirate.
To facilitate processing, DCT Abu Dhabi has established two mechanisms for commercial travel partners. Agencies working alongside tourism authority-appointed destination management companies (DMCs) will have their clients' visa fees covered at the source. Alternatively, travel partners utilizing their own existing DMCs will receive a reimbursement of AED 285 per issued visa directly from DCT Abu Dhabi.
Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, highlighted that India remains one of the emirate's most crucial source markets for international tourism. He noted that absorbing entry visa costs eliminates financial friction for Indian travelers while offering trade partners an attractive incentive to market Abu Dhabi over competing destinations.
The campaign builds on ongoing efforts by DCT Abu Dhabi to boost Indian visitor arrivals, expand travel industry partnerships, and enhance direct air connectivity between major Indian cities and the UAE capital.