Dubai to launch Access Club and tourist visa applications on Visit Dubai in November

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, announced new tourism initiatives on 1 November 2026. Tourists will be able to apply for visas on the Visit Dubai website, and a membership programme for repeat visitors, Dubai Access Club, will start. According to the WAM news agency, both are to be put in place during November 2026.

WAM describes Dubai Access Club as the first tourism membership scheme run by a city that admits members by invitation only. Invited members will receive exclusive experiences, services and benefits. The programme is meant to encourage repeat visits.

Visit Dubai will accept applications for tourist visas valid for one entry or for multiple entries. Further visa categories are planned. The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) remains responsible for assessing applications and issuing visas. More details of the service are to be announced later. Gulf News adds that the visa options depend on eligibility rules and the necessary approvals.

The visa option falls under the Shared Digital Channels Initiative, which Digital Dubai leads. It places government services alongside tourism information on the official website, including ticket booking, events and itinerary planning. Visitors can use one channel instead of several websites or applications. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, GDRFA Dubai and Digital Dubai developed the measures together.

WAM says the initiatives support the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to place Dubai among the world's top three destinations for business and leisure.

For travellers planning a trip, visa applications will be available on the same site used to plan activities. Visitors can also browse hotels in Dubai while planning a stay.

WAM reported the announcement, and Gulf News also covered it.