The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has rolled out a new travel trade initiative designed to attract more visitors from India by offering complimentary UAE entry visas. This program, which targets Indian passport holders departing from India, is valid for holiday packages booked through participating travel partners and online agencies between 1 August and 31 October 2026.
To qualify for the visa waiver, travelers must book a package that includes a minimum of three consecutive nights at an Abu Dhabi hotel along with a return flight from India. The initiative aims to lower travel costs and provide a competitive edge for partners promoting the destination. During this pilot phase, the program is set to support up to 20,000 visas, reflecting the department’s ongoing efforts to deepen its engagement with the Indian tourism market.
Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, emphasized the strategic importance of the Indian market. He stated that the department is committed to collaborating with travel partners to enhance accessibility, noting, “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. We look forward to welcoming more visitors as they spend longer exploring Abu Dhabi’s culture, entertainment, hospitality and natural attractions.”
Participating travel partners have two flexible options to facilitate the offer. They can utilize a DCT-appointed Destination Management Company (DMC) to have visa costs covered directly by the department, or they may continue working with their existing DMC partners, in which case DCT Abu Dhabi will provide a reimbursement of Dhs 285 for each issued visa. This initiative builds upon recent strategic efforts by the department to bolster air connectivity and expand trade partnerships to create more opportunities for Indian tourists to visit the emirate.
Running from 1 August to 31 October 2026, the programme applies to bookings that include a minimum three-night stay in Abu Dhabi.