Indian passport holders planning a holiday in Abu Dhabi can receive their UAE entry visas at no extra cost under a new travel trade programme launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).
The initiative, which runs from August 1 to October 31, 2026, applies to eligible holiday bookings made through participating travel partners and online travel agencies. Travellers must book a package that includes at least three consecutive nights in an Abu Dhabi hotel and a return flight from India.
Free visa programme
Under the programme, DCT Abu Dhabi will cover the full cost of UAE entry visas for eligible bookings. The initiative is designed specifically for participating travel partners and online travel agencies, rather than direct bookings by individual travellers.
Indian passport holders departing from India will be eligible when they book an Abu Dhabi holiday through one of the participating partners. The booking must include a minimum three-night stay in Abu Dhabi.
The programme is expected to support up to 20,000 visas during its initial pilot period.
Travel partner options
Participating travel partners can use one of two options to process the visas.
They can work with a DCT-appointed Destination Management Company (DMC), in which case DCT Abu Dhabi will cover the visa costs directly.
Alternatively, travel partners can continue working with their existing DMC partners. Under this option, DCT Abu Dhabi will reimburse Dhs 285 for each visa issued.
The initiative is intended to reduce the upfront cost for eligible travellers while giving travel partners another option when putting together Abu Dhabi holiday packages for the Indian market.
Focus on Indian market
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 visa programme is part of DCT Abu Dhabi’s wider engagement with the Indian travel market. The department has also been working on measures related to air connectivity and travel trade partnerships to support travel between India and Abu Dhabi.
The latest initiative will remain available until October 31, 2026, subject to the programme’s pilot allocation of up to 20,000 visas.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
