Abu Dhabi launches travel programme offering free entry visa for Indian tourists

Rashad Iskandrni

·       New initiative enables participating travel partners to offer complimentary UAE entry visas for Indian passport holders booking a minimum three-night stay in Abu Dhabi from 1 August to 31 October 2026

Abu Dhabi, UAE, August 2026: The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has introduced a new travel trade initiative that enables participating partners to offer complimentary UAE entry visas to Indian passport holders booking holidays in Abu Dhabi.

Running from 1 August to 31 October 2026, the programme applies to bookings that include a minimum three-night stay in Abu Dhabi. Under the initiative, DCT Abu Dhabi will cover the full cost of UAE entry visas for eligible bookings, reducing the upfront cost of travelling to Abu Dhabi while enabling travel partners to create greater value for their customers.

The programme has been developed exclusively for participating travel partners and online travel agencies. Travellers booking a three-night Abu Dhabi package through participating partners will receive their UAE entry visa at no additional cost.

Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: "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. 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.”

The programme is available to Indian passport holders departing from India who book an Abu Dhabi holiday through participating travel partners. Eligible bookings must include a minimum stay of three consecutive nights in an Abu Dhabi hotel and a return flight from India.

Participating travel partners can choose between two programme options. They may either work through a DCT-appointed Destination Management Company (DMC), with DCT Abu Dhabi covering visa costs directly, or continue using their existing DMC partners, with DCT Abu Dhabi reimbursing AED 285 for each visa issued.

The programme will initially support up to 20,000 visas during the pilot period and is part of DCT Abu Dhabi's continued engagement with the Indian market. It follows recent initiatives to strengthen air connectivity, expand travel trade partnerships and create new opportunities for Indian visitors to experience Abu Dhabi.

###

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors, fuels economic progress and helps achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture, creative and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.