TORONTO — Dubai is turning its residents into tourism ambassadors with a new referral program that rewards them for encouraging friends and family from abroad to visit the destination.

As reported by The Guardian, the Dubai Invite program, run by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, comes as the destination works to boost visitor numbers following a downturn linked to the U.S.-Israel war on Iran.

Under the initiative, UAE residents can nominate non-resident friends and relatives travelling on tourist visas. If those visitors arrive before Oct. 31, residents can earn a benefits package valued at up to 3,000 UAE dirham (approximately C$1,100), with rewards redeemable through December. Each resident can receive up to three benefit packages.

According to local media, the new referral program generated more than 10,000 applications within its first 48 hours.

Lead image caption: Dubai at night