Overview
- The pilot runs for travel between August 1 and October 31, 2026, and will support up to 20,000 complimentary UAE entry visas for eligible Indian passport holders.
- To qualify travellers must depart from India, book a return flight and at least three consecutive nights in an Abu Dhabi hotel through a participating travel partner or online travel agency because the free visa cannot be obtained independently.
- DCT Abu Dhabi will either have visas issued via a DCT‑appointed destination management company at its cost or reimburse AED 285 per visa to partners who use their own DMCs.
- Visa issuance still requires approval by UAE immigration authorities and reporting on visa validity differs between outlets, with some naming a 30‑day tourist visa while others have incorrectly reported a three‑month term, so travellers should confirm final details with their operator.
- The scheme represents an estimated direct subsidy of about AED 5.7 million and will be evaluated after October 31 to decide whether to extend or change the programme as part of broader efforts to boost visitor numbers from India.