Dubai Access Club opens five-year visa route for invited repeat visitors, fee Dh4,032.50

Dubai has set out the fees and eligibility rules for Dubai Access Club, a membership scheme for repeat tourists that includes a five-year multi-entry visa. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, announced the programme on Sunday. The National reported the details on 4 November.

Each visit under the visa can last up to 90 days, within a one-year period. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai reviews applications and issues the visas.

The package comes with a free du prepaid SIM and credit of up to Dh2,000 to use at selected hotels, attractions and shops in the emirate. Members also get the Alsaada loyalty card from GDRFA, which carries more than 20 offers. Visit Dubai says further benefits are expected.

Access is only by invitation, issued via chosen corporate, tourism and hospitality partners. Membership lasts as long as the five-year visa. Listed hospitality partners include Emirates airline, Jumeirah Group, Accor and Hilton, along with IHG, Hyatt and Taj.

Interested visitors can register on the Visit Dubai website, though this secures neither an invitation nor a visa. They may name an employer that is a corporate partner, or an existing loyalty scheme. Listed schemes include Emirates Skywards, U by Emaar, IHG One Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, Jumeirah One, Taj InnerCircle-NeuPass and Hilton Honours. Applicants must supply membership details, personal data, passport details and a phone number.

The fee is Dh4,032.50, covering membership, the visa application and the related perks. People applying from inside the UAE pay Dh650 more. The residency authorities still decide on each visa, and payment does not ensure approval. If GDRFA rejects an application, the fee is refunded less Dh183.

For travellers who qualify, longer-term trip planning is simpler with a multi-year visa. Accommodation options are in the DoBy hotels section.