By Staff Reporter
Indian passport holders can have their UAE entry visa costs covered when booking a qualifying Abu Dhabi holiday until October 31
Abu Dhabi has launched a new tourism promotion offering complimentary UAE entry visas to eligible Indian travellers who book qualifying holiday packages in the emirate.
The initiative, introduced by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), will run from August 1 to October 31, 2026, and is expected to support up to 20,000 visas during its pilot period.
Under the programme, Indian passport holders travelling from India can have the cost of their UAE entry visa covered when they book an Abu Dhabi holiday through participating travel partners or online travel agencies.
To qualify, travellers must book a package that includes at least three consecutive nights at an Abu Dhabi hotel and a return flight from India.
Who qualifies for the offer?
The visa promotion is specifically available to Indian passport holders departing from India. Travellers must make their bookings through participating travel partners or online travel agencies.
The qualifying booking must include:
- A minimum three-night stay at an Abu Dhabi hotel
- A return flight from India
- A booking made through an approved travel partner or participating online travel agency
Travellers cannot apply directly for the free visa under the programme.
How the visa offer works
Participating travel companies can access the scheme through one of two arrangements.
They can work with a destination management company appointed by DCT Abu Dhabi, with the tourism authority covering the visa costs directly.
Alternatively, travel partners can continue using their existing destination management companies. Under this arrangement, DCT Abu Dhabi will reimburse Dh285 for every eligible visa issued.
India remains a major tourism market
DCT Abu Dhabi said India continues to be one of the emirate’s most important international tourism markets.
Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said the initiative is intended to make Abu Dhabi more accessible to Indian travellers while encouraging travel partners to promote the destination.
The programme comes as Abu Dhabi continues efforts to strengthen air connectivity, expand partnerships with the travel industry and attract more visitors from India.
The emirate is promoting its cultural attractions, entertainment options, hospitality sector and natural destinations as it seeks to increase the number and length of stays by international visitors.
The new visa initiative provides Indian travellers with another incentive to consider Abu Dhabi for their next UAE holiday, while reducing part of the upfront cost of their trip.
