Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel have teamed up with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) to provide complimentary UAE entry visas for eligible Indian travellers. The initiative, part of Abu Dhabi's Visa Subsidy Programme, is designed to lower entry barriers and boost Indian visitor numbers to the emirate.
Under the scheme, customers who book leisure holiday packages featuring at least a three-night hotel stay in Abu Dhabi will receive a free UAE entry visa. The offer is valid for bookings made between 1 August and 31 October 2026, with all travel to be completed by 31 October 2026. This window aligns with the upcoming festive and winter travel season, a peak period for Indian outbound tourism.
Strengthening India–Abu Dhabi travel ties
India remains a cornerstone of Abu Dhabi's tourism strategy, and this collaboration underscores the emirate's commitment to making travel more seamless for Indian visitors. By absorbing the visa cost, DCT Abu Dhabi aims to remove a common friction point and encourage longer stays and higher spending across hotels, attractions, and retail.
Rajeev Kale, President and Country Head of Holidays, MICE, Visa at Thomas Cook India, highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two organisations. "Our long-standing partnership with Abu Dhabi has enabled us to consistently curate enriching holiday experiences for Indian travellers," he said. "This visa subsidy adds tangible value and simplifies the planning process."
SD Nandakumar, President and Country Head of Holidays and Corporate Tours at SOTC Travel, echoed that sentiment. "We are delighted to partner with DCT Abu Dhabi on this initiative, enabling eligible leisure travellers to enjoy the added value of a complimentary UAE entry visa," he added.
The move comes as Gulf destinations intensify their competition for Indian tourists. Abu Dhabi has already dropped visa fees for Indian tourists in a broader push to attract more visitors from the subcontinent. This latest subsidy is expected to further enhance the emirate's appeal, particularly for families and couples seeking cultural and luxury experiences.
Abu Dhabi's tourism offerings range from iconic landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi to the newly enhanced Qasr Al Watan, which has expanded its immersive cultural programming. The destination also boasts world-class theme parks, desert safaris, and a growing roster of upscale resorts, making it a versatile choice for Indian travellers.
For travel agents and tour operators, the visa subsidy provides a clear selling point when promoting Abu Dhabi packages. The offer reduces the total cost of a holiday, which can be a decisive factor for price-sensitive Indian consumers. Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel are expected to market the deal aggressively through their extensive retail and online channels.
The partnership also aligns with broader trends in Indian outbound travel. As culture-driven travel gains momentum, destinations that offer both heritage and modern attractions are well-positioned to capture a larger share of the market. Abu Dhabi's blend of tradition and innovation fits this profile perfectly.
With the booking window open until the end of October 2026, travel professionals should advise clients to plan early to secure the visa benefit. The subsidy is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and availability may be limited.
This initiative is the latest in a series of moves by Abu Dhabi to deepen its engagement with the Indian market. Earlier this year, the emirate expanded its e-visa facilities, and the tourism board has been actively courting Indian travel trade partners. The visa subsidy is expected to give a significant boost to winter bookings, a period when Abu Dhabi's mild climate is a major draw.
For agents looking to capitalise on this offer, the key is to bundle the visa benefit with compelling itineraries that showcase Abu Dhabi's cultural and leisure attractions. The partnership between Thomas Cook India, SOTC Travel, and DCT Abu Dhabi is a clear signal that the emirate is serious about growing its Indian visitor base.
