Indian travellers have a new reason to plan a UAE holiday, with Abu Dhabi offering free entry visas for eligible Indian passport holders under a three-month tourism programme, Gulf News reported.The programme will run from August 1 to October 31, 2026, and will initially cover up to 20,000 visas.Indian travellers must book through a participating travel partner or online travel agency, stay for at least three consecutive nights at an Abu Dhabi hotel and have a return flight from India.The visa benefit is linked to the qualifying holiday package and cannot be claimed through an independent visa application.
Free UAE visa offer for 3 months
The initiative, launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), is valid from August 1 to October 31, 2026, and will initially cover up to 20,000 visas.Under the programme, DCT Abu Dhabi will cover the full cost of the UAE entry visa for eligible Indian travellers booking an Abu Dhabi holiday through participating travel partners or online travel agencies.
Who can avail the offer?
The scheme is open to Indian passport holders travelling from India, but the free visa is linked to a qualifying Abu Dhabi holiday package.Travellers must:
- Book through a participating travel partner or online travel agency
- Stay at least three consecutive nights at an Abu Dhabi hotel
- Have a return flight from India
The offer does not mean the UAE has introduced visa-free entry for all Indian passport holders. Instead, the visa cost is waived for eligible bookings under the limited-period programme.
How the free visa works
According to Gulf News, participating travel partners can process the visas through a DCT-appointed destination management company, with the tourism department covering the cost directly.Travel partners can also continue using their existing destination management companies, with DCT Abu Dhabi reimbursing Dh285 for each visa issued.
India remains key tourism market
The three-month initiative is part of Abu Dhabi’s efforts to attract more visitors from India and strengthen its travel partnerships in the country.Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said India remains one of Abu Dhabi’s most important international markets and that covering visa costs would make it easier for Indian travellers to choose the emirate.The programme is also aimed at encouraging visitors to spend more time exploring Abu Dhabi’s culture, entertainment, hospitality and natural attractions.