NITN | @notintownlive | 11 Aug 2026, 05:27 am
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi offers complimentary UAE entry visas to eligible Indian passport holders. Photo: Unsplash
Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced complimentary UAE entry visas for eligible Indian passport holders between August 1 and October 31, 2026, media reports said.
The initiative is aimed at Indian tourists booking an Abu Dhabi holiday through participating travel partners and online travel agencies.
Under the programme, eligible bookings must include a minimum three-night stay at an Abu Dhabi hotel along with a return flight from India.
The pilot programme will initially support up to 20,000 visas, according to Gulf News.
DCT Abu Dhabi will cover the full cost of the UAE entry visa for eligible bookings, potentially reducing the overall cost of travelling to the emirate.
Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, told Gulf News: "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."
Yousuf added: "We look forward to welcoming more visitors as they spend longer exploring Abu Dhabi's culture, entertainment, hospitality and natural attractions."
Who can get a free UAE visa?
The complimentary visa offer is available to Indian passport holders departing from India who book an Abu Dhabi holiday through a participating travel partner or online travel agency.
A minimum three consecutive nights at an Abu Dhabi hotel.
A return flight from India.
The holiday must be booked through a participating travel partner or online travel agency.
The offer is valid during the pilot period from August 1 to October 31, 2026, subject to the programme's eligibility requirements and available visa quota.
- Sona College of Tech, Salem team wins Mitsubishi contest for factory automation; beats 6 national winners across Asia
- Planning India trip? Thai tourists can now get 30-day e-Visa without fee
- Phone, Wallet Stolen Abroad? Knowing These Steps Can Save Your Trip
- Travelling Abroad from India? Know How Much Foreign Currency You Can Carry
- Air India teams up with IHG, offers Maharaja Club Members reward points on hotel bookings
- Fujifilm’s new 609mm-equivalent lens brings serious long-range reach without the usual weight
- Google’s AI mode is becoming your travel agent—Here’s what it can now do
- Littering on trains to cost more? Railways doubles fine to Rs 1,000 — check other penalties
- Dubai Airport traffic crashes 31% in H1 amid US-Iran conflict
- Bali Backlash: Swiss Tourist Jailed After 'Crazy' Video Mocks Hindu Nyepi Holiday
Etihad Airways and Etihad Rail have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore integrated air-rail travel services across the United Arab Emirates, aiming to make travel between Abu Dhabi and destinations across the country more convenient.
IndiGo has announced a new daily nonstop service between Mumbai and Hanoi, beginning October 25, 2026. The new route will expand the airline’s international network and improve connectivity with Vietnam’s capital, giving passengers more options and flexibility for travel between India and Vietnam.
Aviation major Emirates is taking its award-winning Premium Economy experience a step further with the launch of what it describes as the world’s first electrically powered Premium Economy seat, featuring a full-height adjustable privacy screen between every seat.