Abu Dhabi: Indian tourists planning a holiday in Abu Dhabi can now benefit from a new visa-cost waiver linked to qualifying holiday packages, making travel to the UAE capital more affordable during the pilot period.

The initiative by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is aimed at encouraging Indian visitors to choose longer stays and explore the emirate beyond a short stopover.

Three-night stay required for the offer

Under the initiative, Indian passport holders travelling from India can receive a complimentary UAE entry visa when they book an eligible Abu Dhabi holiday package with a minimum three consecutive nights’ stay and a return flight from India through a participating travel partner.

The pilot is valid for travel between August 1 and October 31, 2026. Travellers should check the terms of their package and visa eligibility before booking, as availability is limited.

Who can claim the visa benefit?

The offer is intended for Indian passport holders travelling from India. The qualifying package must include an Abu Dhabi hotel stay of at least three consecutive nights and a return flight.

Flight-only or hotel-only bookings do not qualify for the complimentary visa under the package-based offer. The visa benefit also cannot be claimed through an independent tourist visa application.

A boost for Indian tourism

India remains an important overseas tourism market for Abu Dhabi, and the initiative could encourage more Indian families and groups to consider the emirate for a longer holiday.

Abu Dhabi offers a mix of cultural landmarks, entertainment attractions and family experiences, including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan and Yas Island. Participating holiday packages can combine accommodation, flights, transfers and sightseeing, depending on the package selected.

The official Experience Abu Dhabi website advises travellers who require visas to verify requirements before travelling and notes that visit visas can generally be processed through airlines, hotels or travel agents.

The initiative provides Indian travellers with an opportunity to reduce one holiday expense while discovering Abu Dhabi as a destination in its own right.