Complimentary UAE Entry Visas for Indian Tourists in Abu Dhabi, ETTravelWorld

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched a travel trade initiative enabling participating partners to offer complimentary UAE entry visas to Indian passport holders booking holidays in Abu Dhabi.Running from August 1 to October 31, 2026, the programme applies to eligible bookings that include a minimum stay of three consecutive nights in an Abu Dhabi hotel and a return flight from India.Under the initiative, DCT Abu Dhabi will cover the cost of UAE entry visas for eligible bookings. The programme is available exclusively through participating travel partners and online travel agencies, with travellers receiving their UAE entry visa at no additional cost when booking a qualifying Abu Dhabi package.Eligible travellers must be Indian passport holders departing from India and booking their Abu Dhabi holiday through participating travel partners.Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT 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.”Participating travel partners can choose between two programme options. They can work through a DCT-appointed Destination Management Company (DMC), under which DCT Abu Dhabi will cover visa costs directly, or continue working with their existing DMC partners and receive reimbursement of AED 285 for each visa issued.The pilot programme will initially support up to 20,000 visas and forms part of DCT Abu Dhabi’s continued engagement with the Indian market. It follows recent initiatives focused on strengthening air connectivity, expanding travel trade partnerships and creating new opportunities for Indian visitors to experience Abu Dhabi.