Abu Dhabi: Indian travellers planning a holiday in Abu Dhabi can get their UAE entry visa at no extra cost under a new initiative launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).
The program runs from August 1 to October 31, 2026, and is available to Indian passport holders booking eligible Abu Dhabi holiday packages through participating travel partners and online travel agencies.
To qualify, bookings must include a minimum three-night stay in Abu Dhabi. The initiative is designed to lower the cost of travel for Indian visitors while giving travel companies an additional incentive to promote the emirate.
Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said that, “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 travelers.”
Yousuf noted that covering the visa cost would make it easier for Indian travellers to choose Abu Dhabi and encourage them to spend more time exploring its culture, entertainment, hospitality, and natural attractions.
Travel partners can participate through one of two options. They can work with a DCT-appointed Destination Management Company (DMC), with the department covering the visa costs directly. Alternatively, they can continue working with their existing DMC partners and receive reimbursement of $77.60 (AED 285) for each visa issued.
The pilot program will support up to 20,000 visas during the promotional period. The initiative is part of Abu Dhabi’s wider efforts to attract more visitors from India, one of its key international tourism markets.
The emirate has recently focused on strengthening air connectivity, expanding partnerships with the travel trade, and creating more opportunities for Indian travelers to explore Abu Dhabi.
