Quick answer: Invite family to Dubai between 20 July and 31 October 2026 and, as a UAE resident, you can claim AED 3,000+ in rewards. If your relatives are considering a permanent move, budget AED 16,000 to 28,000 a month for a comfortable family lifestyle. This guide covers the campaign, real relocation costs, the best […]
23 July 2026
Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism launched A Dubai Invite to encourage residents to bring overseas family and friends into the city. Eligible UAE residents nominate up to five guests, and once those guests arrive on a valid tourist or visit visa, the host unlocks a package of hotel stays, dining offers, attraction tickets and travel perks worth more than AED 3,000.
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Campaign window | 20 July to 31 October 2026 |
| Nomination deadline | 30 September 2026 |
| Eligibility | UAE residents aged 18+, valid Emirates ID |
| Guests allowed | Up to 5 per nomination, more via separate submissions |
| Reward cap | Maximum 3 packages per host |
| Redemption window | Until 31 December 2026 |
When you invite family to Dubai through the campaign, a nominated visit is the cheapest way to give them a real trial run. The reward package covers a chunk of the hotel bill, which frees up three to five days to tour communities, sit down with school administrators, and get an honest feel for daily life before anyone commits to a lease or a purchase.
Once the visit convinces a family to make the move permanent, the real planning starts. Here is a grounded budget, not a marketing number.
| Setup expense | Typical cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Visa sponsorship and medical | 1,000 to 3,000 |
| Security deposit (rental) | 1 to 2 months’ rent |
| Movers and shipping | 10,000 to 25,000 |
| School registration and uniforms | 2,000 to 5,000 |
| Car purchase or lease deposit | 15,000 to 40,000 |
Indicative ranges for a family of four moving mid-2026; actual costs vary by nationality, school and community.
| Category | Monthly budget (AED) | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Villa rental, 3 to 4 bed | 8,000 to 12,000 | ~45% |
| Schooling (annual fee ÷ 12) | 2,000 to 5,000 | ~20% |
| Food and groceries | 2,500 to 3,500 | ~15% |
| Transport and fuel | 1,500 to 2,500 | ~10% |
| Activities and incidentals | 1,000 to 2,000 | ~10% |
| Total per month | 16,000 to 28,000 | 100% |
Sourced from DMCC Cost of Living 2026 and Property Finder’s 2026 cost-of-living report. Housing typically absorbs 40 to 50% of a relocating family’s budget.
For context: Mercer ranks Dubai 15th globally on its 2025 Cost of Living index, the most expensive city in the Middle East, but still well below Hong Kong, Singapore or New York for a comparable lifestyle.
Once you invite family to Dubai and they decide to stay, where they land matters more than the headline budget. These five communities consistently work for relocating families, compared on the things that actually decide the outcome.
| Community | Villa entry price | Schools | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai Hills Estate | AED 2.5M to 4M | GEMS Wellington, GEMS International | Career-focused families, central |
| Arabian Ranches | AED 3.4M to 5.5M | Ranches Primary School | Outdoor lifestyle, established villas |
| Tilal Al Ghaf | AED 2.8M to 4.2M | Boutique schools nearby | Eco-conscious families |
| Mudon | AED 1.8M to 3M | Ash Mount School, opens Aug 2026 | Value-focused families |
| Jumeirah Village Circle | AED 1.2M to 2.2M | Multiple CBSE and IB options | First-time buyers, walkable |
Renting buys time. Buying above AED 2,000,000 buys a decade of certainty. Since February 2026, mortgaged property qualifies for the Golden Visa with no minimum down payment, which has made the buy route far more accessible to relocating families.
| Factor | Renting | Buying (Golden Visa route) |
|---|---|---|
| Residency validity | Tied to employment or a 1 to 2 year visa | 10 years, renewable |
| Visa renewals | Annual administration | None for a decade |
| Capital exposure | None | Full purchase price, financing available |
| Appreciation potential | None | Historically 5 to 10% a year in prime family communities |
| Flexibility to leave | High | Lower, but property can be sold or let |
Full detail on eligibility, the AED 2M threshold and the February 2026 mortgage rule change lives on our Golden Visa guide.
Most families complete the full move in four to six months from decision to arrival. Start paperwork about two months before the target date.
Get a free relocation checklist, or book a call with our team to walk through communities, schools and property options.
The 2026 Dubai Invite campaign covers a large share of a visiting family's hotel and travel costs, turning a holiday into a low-cost scouting trip. For families weighing a permanent move, that visit is the moment to walk the communities, meet the schools and picture daily life before committing to anything.
A DUBAI INVITE
Discounted stays at Melia Desert Palm and partner resorts during the campaign window.
A complimentary night at participating IHG hotels for nominated guests.
A free ticket to Atlantis Aquaventure, plus curated dining and experience offers.
Reduced Hala taxi fares to get around the city during the visit.
Parks, golf and top-rated schools inside the community.
Explore Dubai Hills Estate Properties
Green spaces, equestrian centre, established family base.
Explore Arabian Ranches Properties
Walkable, affordable and strong first-home value.
Explore Jumeirah Village Circle PropertiesNo developers found.
Best Deal | Golf Course View | Private Pool
Burj Lake Hotel - The Address DownTown, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
AED 1,250,000
Luxurious | 4BR Villa | Waterfront Living
Maldives 2, Maldives, DAMAC Islands, Dubai
AED 2,750,000
2-Bedroom Apartment | MidFloor | Motivated Seller
Dubai - #17263
AED 2,485,000
Premium Amenities | High ROI | Luxury Apartment
Voxa Residences, District 4, Jumeirah Village Triangle, Dubai
AED 1,325,000
