Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) has initiated a pilot program providing free UAE entry visas for eligible Indian passport holders. The scheme covers bookings made between August 1 and October 31, 2026, and will support up to 20,000 visa issuances during this three-month period, according to a Business Standard report.
Indian tourists become eligible for the free visa by booking a minimum stay of three nights in Abu Dhabi within the specified window. The DCT will bear the entire cost of the entry visa for qualified bookings.
Participation Options for Travel Agencies
Travel agencies and online platforms can participate through two distinct
channels. They may either collaborate with a Destination Management Company (DMC) appointed by the DCT, where the visa fee is paid directly by the department, or work with their existing DMC partners. In the second scenario, the DCT will reimburse AED 285 per visa issued.
Official Objective and Market Context
Abdulla Yousuf, director of international operations at Abu Dhabi DCT, said the scheme aims to simplify travel for Indian visitors and provide incentives to travel partners to promote Abu Dhabi. “India continues to be one of our most important international markets,” Yousuf stated, according to Business Standard.
The initiative is part of Abu Dhabi’s strategic
effort to increase engagement with the Indian tourism market by reducing entry barriers and encouraging more Indian nationals to visit the emirate.
