Abu Dhabi offers free UAE tourist visa for three months
Eligible travellers can have the full visa fee waived if they meet the required conditions.
According to Arab media reports, the offer will run from August 1 to October 31, 2026. Up to 20,000 visas will be issued during the pilot programme.
A similar offer has also been introduced by Dubai for tourists from around the world who have relatives living in the emirate. The Dubai scheme is aimed at helping residents invite their family members to visit.
Who can get the free visa?
Indian passport holders must book a travel package from India to Abu Dhabi to qualify for the offer. The package must include a three-night stay at an Abu Dhabi hotel and a return flight.
The booking must also be made through a participating travel partner or online travel agency. Tourists cannot apply for the free visa directly or on an individual basis.
The visa fee waiver will only be available to travellers who meet the stated conditions. Other travel costs will still have to be paid by the traveller unless the selected package provides an additional discount.
20,000-visa pilot programme
The offer has been introduced as a pilot programme covering up to 20,000 eligible Indian travellers over three months. Abu Dhabi says the initiative is designed to attract more visitors from India.
The programme is also intended to support tourism during the end of the summer and the beginning of the autumn season. The visa itself will be free, but hotel, flight and other travel expenses will generally remain the traveller’s responsibility.
The offer could make Abu Dhabi more attractive to Indian tourists looking for lower-cost international travel. However, travellers will need to check the package conditions before making a booking.
Tourism push and wider impact
The UAE has been introducing new travel packages and promotional offers to support its tourism sector. The reported offer is part of efforts to increase visitor numbers and encourage more tourism activity.
The source text also links the UAE’s tourism push to regional tensions and their reported impact on travel demand. Abu Dhabi’s latest initiative appears focused on attracting more visitors by reducing one of the major upfront travel costs.
The free visa offer could give Abu Dhabi a stronger appeal among Indian travellers. However, the benefit is limited to eligible passengers who book through approved travel channels.
The 20,000-visa limit also makes this a trial rather than an unlimited programme. Its success will likely depend on how many eligible tourists use the offer and whether it helps increase hotel stays and visitor spending.
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